Bridges planning ‘quiet’ celebration against ex-club Leeds MICHAEL Bridges insists he won’t rub Leeds fans’ noses in it if he scores a dream goal on his return to Elland Road.
Flashback: Leeds United’s Michael Bridges takes on Barcelona’s Frank De Boer in a Champions
League clash as Stephen McPhail, right, looks onThe former £5 million striker, who played Champions League football in a memorable four-year stint with the Yorkshire club, will bid to help Carlisle United achieve an eyecatching victory tomorrow (kick-off 3pm).
But the 30-year-old says he won’t go overboard if he gets on the scoresheet. “To score would be very sweet, I can tell you, but I never tend to celebrate against teams where I’ve had success,†said Bridges.
“I’m a bit more discreet against my old clubs. So it will just be a nice, quiet celebration afterwards – hopefully.â€
Bridges admits the memories will come flooding back when he runs out in front of a 20,000+ crowd at Elland Road tomorrow.
“It will be interesting to see what kind of reception I get, but it doesn’t bother me if I get a bit of stick – that’s part and parcel of football,†said the frontman, who is on a season-long loan from Hull City. “I have still got some friends down there who are coming along and it should be a good occasion.
“I had four years there – two of them great, two not so great with injuries – and one of my abiding memories is the day I signed. Just being shown around the place, the size of it. And the pinnacle of my time there would have to be the Champions League semi-final.
“The European trips were fantastic, apart from the Turkish antics when they were setting the fire alarms off in our hotel every hour and we had to get extra security in. But they were great, great times and those boys still get together as often as we can.
“I think Frazer Richardson is the only player still there from my time, but this weekend isn’t about renewing friendships – it’s about three points.â€
Bridges believes the way United performed on their last visit to Elland Road – their memorable 2-1 play-off first leg victory in May – should ensure they do not get stage fright tomorrow.
And he believes it could be a good time to face Simon Grayson’s side, who are attempting to kickstart their own season after sliding to ninth in League One.
“They are at a vulnerable time by their standards, and we have to try and capitalise on that. I think we are capable of going there and doing that.
“You can’t be scared of Leeds United just because they are a big club. We can match them. We have started putting in a few performances ourselves and if we can make that pitch big we’ve got a chance.â€
Bridges is finally getting a run in the side under Greg Abbott and is determined to have a big impact on the second half of United’s campaign.
“It has been a waiting game for me – I didn’t get as many games as I would have liked under the previous manager – but I’ve got my chance now and hopefully I can capitalise on it,†he added.
newsandstar.co.ukBridges relishing Elland Road return
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