It's Oldham versus QPR in one of the play-off for the final Second Division promotion place and before Saturday's first leg Lawrie Madden caught up with Oldham's Paul Murray, who will be playing against his former club, and with QPR's Paul Furlong who has 'been there, seen it, but not yet done it' with Birmingham in two previous play offs games. We kick off with the views of the Oldham man…
Q. Were you concerned about who you got in the play-offs?
A. I wasn't bothered really. The way we have been playing we don't fear anyone. However, in hindsight, I am glad to be playing QPR - no disrespect to them - because either Cardiff or Bristol will bring a massive following to Millennium for the final and it will be played in front of a full house.
Q. What about playing the first leg at home. Did you have any preference?
A. Again, it didn't bother me. I know some people have preferences but I didn't. I think the gaffer would have preferred being at home in the second leg but not the lads.
Q. Up against your old club in such a big game, how does that feel?
A. It is nice for me to be playing against my old club but I am now Oldham through and through and we are focused on three games to get into Division One.
Q. What type of game are you expecting?
A. Both league games were hard so I would imagine these two matches will be even harder . They will be nip and tuck and maybe a mistake on the day or over the two games may decide. I think both defences are solid and strong and will be on top.
Q. A lot is made of the mental side of the game especially at this stage. How do you feel about this?
A. We do a lot of the psychological stuff here. We have a fitness coach and he also works on the mental side and we are well prepared and well equipped.
Q. Any prediction?
A. I think the first game will be cagey and QPR will come here and they will not be gung ho. I think we can get a result at home and if we get say 1-0 or 2-0 victory then we will go down to their place in a good position. After all we have only lost two away games all season and if we catch them on the break or score an away goal then that would make it hard for them.
AND NOW OVER TO QPR STRIKER PAUL FURLONG….
Q. Are you looking forward to the game because you have had not a lot of luck in the play offs?
A. Very much so. I have been in this position before with Birmingham and not quite made it so I know a bit about these occasions. I think the experience I have gained will definitely help. And I will treat these games differently. I don't want to say anymore because I want to keep that to myself.
Q. How big a game or how different is this game compared to previous play-offs you've played in?
A. Well, I have now turned 34 and I am aware of my age and that time is running out for me to achieve things in the game. I have actually never won anything in football and I really want to win something before I finish to have something to show for my career. So this is a big game for me.
Q. Were you bothered being at home or away for the first leg?
A. Ideally we wanted to be away and I think that is the view shared by all the players because when you get back for the second leg you know what you have got to do. I think it will make it very interesting.
Q. Were you bothered who you played?
A. No. Since the turn of the year we have been the form team and I am sure there are teams that did not want to play us.
Q. What type of game are you expecting?
A. A game which will be very tight with quite a few nerves and no-one wanting to make a mistake. There are two good sides on show so it will be tight. We drew up there and they beat us narrowly at our place so there is not a lot to choose between us.
Q. What are the strengths of your side?
A. I think, mentally, we are strong. If we go a goal down we just get on with it and keep going and that is something that could be important. This is a massive game with a great prize at stake, and a lot of careers at stake too. The main thing it to try and play our normal game in not normal circumstances.
