Christian: Concentration Needed

Christian Dailly says it is now time to focus solely on getting three points against Bradford City tonight - and adds that he will take time to ponder on Glenn Roeder's departure later.

There will be a two-week break after the trip to Ipswich Town at the weekend, and Christian says: "Our focus has got to be totally on the game. After the match on Saturday there will be more time to reflect on things and there will be a few things sorted out - but as of now it is just a case of thinking about the games."

Trevor Brooking is, of course, in temporary charge for the two games and Christian adds: "We had a meeting and Trevor explained part of the situation and what he expects so we know what is happening, but as I say just now we have to concentrate on getting the points.

"Everybody has respect for Glenn. He is highly respected by the players and throughout the game but there will be more time to talk about the situation once these games are out the way.

"Everybody fully respects Trevor as well so let's hope we can get a couple of good wins this week; that would be great and set us up.

"The games are all-important and we are not thinking about who is coming in or anything like that; we have Bradford now and you can't think past that.

"All the games we have had have been really difficult and Bradford got a good win at Cardiff recently so we will have to show our battling qualities - and hope the quality comes through."

Christian has set the highest of targets for his team mates for this campaign and adds: "Three games have gone and there is obviously no need to panic - but we don't want to lose another single game all season.

"We are disappointed with the result on Saturday and how we played but we have to put that behind us; we aim not to lose again this season."

Christian hopes to play with a gum shield against Bradford after missing the last 10 minutes of the Rotherham match when the fourth official refused to allow him back on to the field of play following a collision.

Typically, despite blood coming from his mouth, he was keen to return to action and with three substitutes used knew he could not be replaced.

But it was not to be, and Christian reveals: "Two teeth were hanging off, which have been pushed and pulled, and one fell out but they have stuck it back in - though there is a chance I could lose it.

"My sister-in-law is a dentist so I knew that you have to get it back in to save it; that's why I was on the pitch after the game looking for it!"

"It is a bit sore and there is some damage there but I just have to get on with it.

A late decision will be made on whether he can play but he is included in a squad which shows no changes from Saturday.

Squad: James, Bywater, Forde, Hutchison, Carrick, Repka, Dailly, Pearce, Horlock, Lee, Defoe, Etherington, Mellor, Connolly, Sofiane, Noble, Garcia, McMahon, Byrne, Ferdinand, Kilgallon.