Martin Allen's thoughts on Sunderland in the FA Cup

Last updated : 09 January 2006 By Smallsy
In an interview just conducted with Sky Sports News, Martin Allen was intervied via phone about his thoughts on the upcoming FA Cup clash with the Premiership's bottom side Sunderland.

The Bees were rewarded this afternoon by coming out of the hat first and being drawn with the Weirsiders at Griffin Park. Martin Allen appeared to be pleased with the draw itself,

"Getting a Premiership team at home away is a good draw I suppose, McCarthy has done a good job up there. He's not spent alot of money and even though the table doesn't reflect their play they've been doing very well"

Battling through against Stockport this weekend the boss echoed his post match thoughts saying,

"We had a tough game at Stockport, they played well but we managed to come through in the end. The magic of the FA Cup happens to draw us against a top side and we'll take that."

Allen's feelings for the FA Cup shone through and after commenting on the results against Southampton last year he said,

"The Cup is very special to us, we love it. It's going to be a great day for the club and it's supports, let's get it on!"

Speaking on his next round opponents Martin warned his side that despite their position it will not be an easy game,


"They have a top quality squad but we're looking forward to the challenge, they aer a great side with great tradition, little old Brentford have a game on their hands"

As is well known to all Allen enjoyed a dip or two in the Thames last season to prepare before the game but Allen said focus of the League encounters before the end of the month was crucial,

"I have no special plans ahead of this tie, first we'll be focused on Southend, Nottinhgam Forest and Huddersfield an awful lot of work to be done before we go thinking about Sunderland."

"We've had one defeat in 13 and this is due to us keeping focused despite injury setbacks we've had. I haven't got a big squad and this year we've been plodding along, nothing spectacular but it seems to be working effectively so far, we've just got to keep going"

Speaking on the topic of one of his players Allen was questioned about Rankin who found the net at Edgeley Park after eleven games without a goal.

"You know he works very hard in training, he lost his place to DJ Campbell for a bit when he came in and scored goals so he's had to wait and be patient but the joy on his face was magic. It goes to show the importance of a squad and that all will be required to give it their all when putting that Brentford shirt on"