BRUCE CAN EXPECT NO FAVOURS

Last updated : 26 March 2006 By Ed

Giggs:

"We've got a job to do. We're in good form and we need to carry on like we have been doing to cement second place at least. We did Birmingham a favour last week by winning at West Brom. We seem to be coming up against old United players all the time.

"Steve is having a hard time, but that is part of management. You don't get everything your own way as a manager or as a player, but if you can cope with adversity it usually makes you stronger. Steve is a strong character anyway and he'll come through this sticky patch.

"I tended to model myself more on Eric Cantona.

"Steve was one of the talkers, like Incey and Robbo. Eric was quiet. It was great to have Brucey and Robbo talking to you, but Eric was the one who impressed me most.

"I noticed the way he prepared for games and the way he trained. I'm like that now, I suppose. If I am an influence on the younger lads it is by example. I leave the talking to Gary Neville.'


Quieroz:

"It was a terrible defeat (Birmingham v Liverpool) but, for us, it never happened.

"We must ignore it because it was a result that belonged to the fantasy world. Those type of results do not exist any more and in any case, is not significant for our game against them.

"The only thing we can do is prepare to meet a team whose players, manager and supporters are fighting for survival.

"It might not be easy for us and we have to recognise that.

"Birmingham will come to Old Trafford and give it everything and it is our duty to know that.

"We need to maintain concentration from the first minute, be strong, do not allow them to believe they can score and try to score as quickly as possible ourselves so we can control the game and play with authority."


Bruce:

"I haven't slept since. (defeat by Liverpool)

"hat's the way it gets you. I would love to say I had six pints of Stella and went to my bed the other night but I didn't. It is only now that I am slightly getting over it."


Teams from the BBC:

Wes Brown (groin) remains sidelined, while Ruud van Nistelrooy seems set to be on the bench again after Louis Saha's double against West Brom.

Birmingham have major injury problems, with Emile Heskey (ankle), Chris Sutton (groin/calf), Jamie Clapham (groin) and Martin Taylor (groin) under treatment.

Muzzy Izzet (calf), Jiri Jarosik (groin) and Julian Gray (knee) are major doubts and Matthew Upson is out.

Utd (from): Squad: Van der Sar, Howard, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Silvestre, Evra, Richardson, Ronaldo, Giggs, O'Shea, Park, Rooney, Van Nistelrooy, Saha, Rossi.

Birmingham (from): Maik Taylor, Vaesen, Melchiot, Painter, Bruce, Martin Taylor, Latka, Cunningham, Lazaridis, Johnson, Clapham, Dunn, Kilkenny, Pennant, Clemence, Heskey, Forssell, Campbell.


BBC weather:

Hard to believe but they say it will be a sunny 15°C today.