Tony Mowbray met the press ahead of our Play Off Semi Final against Luton and kicked off with an injury update… INJURIES "We had 6 a side and a floater today in training, so we have a few knocks. But we shouldn't sit here and discuss exactly who is going to be fit, because there's a few who didn't train today that we hope will train tomorrow. We have had a few scans over the last day or so, and whatever team we put out will be competitive and we will try to find a way to get a positive result this weekend."
WILL BALLARD BE
"No" TWO SEPARATE GAMES "My mentality is to look at these two games individually and try and win them both if we can. I think it's going to be a good, tight game; Luton are unbeaten in 14 games and we are unbeaten in nine. Five draws and four wins, so it's going to be tight. What I know is that the Stadium of Light will be bouncing, and we have to try and create an environment that will be uncomfortable for Luton. Yet sometimes coming into a big environment can help some teams, I have to say that we aren't playing against a team of shrinking violets. They are a very robust, strong, and physical team. They finished 11 points in front of us, so they will come with a level of confidence. We only played them eight weeks ago at home and we drew 1-1. It was a tight game, and for us there is definitely a contrast of styles and physicality. We have to play to our strengths on the day and try to impose our game plan. I'm sure they will try and do the exact same thing." PLAY OFF HISTORY "Both teams had a playoff campaign last year, it's easy to have the narrative of little Luton, but they were in the playoffs last year. Luton have that experience, and they will be disappointed that they lost in playoff semi-finals last year. Luton will try and put that right this year. When it comes to our Lads, these are all big games. Because of the injuries and adversity, our mentality has been to go out there and express ourselves on the pitch and see where it takes us. I don't see a reason to change that, this is a big game with a lot of coverage. I've told the players to go and express themselves, so they can show everyone that's watching their individual and collective talents. Let's see if we can get a result against a team that has done exceptionally well. When we played them eight weeks ago, you could feel how difficult they were to break down. They were very strong, robust, and athletic. At times they were leaving it man for man at the back, as they pushed right in with a high press. It can really stop your rhythm, and it's going to be a difficult game. We shouldn't fear a draw or even a tight defeat, as you said our away record is better than our home one. Of course, we will try and win, but our away record has been very good recently."
