Kelly spells out Leeds' threat
Robert Kelly will draw on Leicester City's push for survival last season to highlight the dangers that Leeds United potentially pose when they arrive at the Walkers Stadium tonight (7.45).
Leeds are in the same situation as City were a year ago - a big-name club threatened by a first-ever drop to the game's third tier.
City boss Kelly appreciates their situation but professionally cannot sympathise with Leeds counterpart Dennis Wise.
He said: "It is better to say I probably understand his position. We have been there ourselves and we have to make sure we don't get embroiled in it again but, from our point of view, we must just concentrate on what we do.
"I don't want that to sound disrespectful to any club but that is how it is. They are big enough and brave enough to look after themselves."
Kelly knows City need six or even more points to be absolutely safe, and is determined that his side get back on track after their dismal showing in the 2-0 defeat at Crystal Palace.
Saturday's performance was well below the standard the players had set in the preceding half-dozen games and ended a six-game unbeaten run.
Wise's men have their backs to the wall but showed their tenacity on Saturday by beating fellow strugglers Luton so, as you would expect from a team led by this manager, there will be no lack of determination.
But City are just as eager to consign their last game to history as a blip.
Kelly said: "We can't just dismiss it but this is where the Championship works for you by giving you a game so soon after rather than spending the week tearing your hair out.
"We have to play with that energy and tempo we did before, and get the crowd right behind us again."
Kelly will be driving home to his players that they cannot afford another below-par display.
"What the Palace game showed us is that, if you don't turn up in this division, no matter who you are facing, you will get beaten and that is the case especially against a side like Leeds, who are fighting for their lives to stay in the division.
"When you think of the way we played against the top teams near the end of last season to get ourselves out it, more than matching them, we are aware of what Leeds can do."
And he added: "There are a lot of good players there and they will be a threat - which is what I have been telling my players.
New signing Shaun Newton looks likely to start as Kelly ponders some changes.
Kelly said: "I will freshen it up but you have to look at the bigger picture. In the previous six games, we have done well, but there will be one or two changes perhaps."
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