Tyne-Wear derby perfect preparation for Falkirk
Graham Gibson • Published 6 Oct 2012 09:00
0 Comments
THE Pars' Geordie centre half Callum Morris insists his experience of the intense Tyne-Wear derby will help him cope with Saturday's trip to bitter rivals Falkirk.
The 22-year-old has made an impressive start to his East End Park career, helping the side keep clean sheets in their last three league matches.
However, his mettle will be tested like never before when Dunfermline venture into hostile territory this weekend against their long-time enemies.
Morris told Press Sport, "I've spoken to a few people and heard from a few fans and know Falkirk's a big game.
"I'm looking forward to it, especially with a little bit of added spice in there.
"I've played in a few derbies between Newcastle and Sunderland so I know what these kind of games are all about.
"It's a big, intense rivalry and I've got friends on both sides of the divide.
"There was always a bit of banter there when I knew lads who played with Sunderland.
"Playing in those games is good craic but you have to be professional about these things and go in with the same attitude as other games.
"We've got to keep our cool and keep playing the way we've been playing.
"We've got to go in there switched on and start quickly."
Morris has formed a formidable partnership with Andy Dowie that has made the Pars hard to break down.
"We got a good partnership going straight away," he said.
"He has got a lot of experience and he talks well and helps me through the game.
"We've got a good mix between us along the whole back four and with Paul Gallacher behind.
"Our style of football suits me. I'd rather play than hoof it long but the boys in midfield make it easier as they are always showing and want the ball, as are our two full backs who always want to get forward."
The Pars' five-game league winning run has raised expectations among fans about what the squad can achieve this season.
Morris added, "We want to keep the pressure on Partick and make them look over their shoulder at us winning every week, keeping clean sheets.
"The pressure is all on them at the minute and we've got to keep doing what we've been doing.
"If we keep going the way we're going we wouldn't want anything less than promotion this season. We have had a great start and need to keep it going."
This article appeared in Dunfermline Press 08 Oct 12
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our Sport archives.
