Michael Raynes on Capital One Cup accolades and a big week
We spoke to defender Michael Raynes about being part of the Capital One Cup Team of the Tournament and about two important games coming up at Brunton Park."It was nice to get in the team of the tournament for the Capital One Cup but I think it could have been any of our lads," he said. "As a team we did exceptionally well so they probably thought they needed to pick someone.
"We did alright at Anfield and we only conceded the one goal, so they probably thought it should have been a defender. Thankfully it was me."
"It's nice to get picked but I did get loads of stick yesterday," he revealed. "I was watching the final and feeling a little bit embarrassed that Kompany was playing and he couldn't even get in the team!
"It's nice to get picked but I did get loads of stick yesterday," he revealed. "I was watching the final and feeling a little bit embarrassed that Kompany was playing and he couldn't even get in the team!
"It's a nice compliment and it's something to tell the grandkids anyway."
Looking back at the Morecambe performance, he said: "The victory on Saturday was huge. We weren't at our best in the first half but we showed massive character to come back and win it.
"I've been there before when Morecambe go ahead early doors and teams have folded. When they're on top it's difficult, but we stood up to it and kept it down to one. We knew we'd get a couple of opportunities and thankfully we took them.
"We've got our standards and we know they're high, so not too much needs to be said at half time after a performance like that. We knew we weren't hitting the heights we set ourselves, so half time was more of a chance to regroup.
"You can't be on top in every minute of every game, it's impossible, but it's about showing character to stay in games and then having the bravery to take your opportunities when they come.
"Everyone wants to be at 100%, playing their best football every week, but it doesn't happen. It's about having the experience and quality to ride storms when teams are in possession."
"We knew we'd get opportunities," he said. "Whether that was in the first minute or the last minute, we knew they would come. The front boys were outstanding in those last five minutes.
"I think it was a good, physical game. My old man came, he hasn't been able to come for a while, and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. It wasn’t the prettiest game but it never is away at Morecambe. It was a derby atmosphere and no one wanted to lose. We came away with three points and that's all that matters."
"We've got a hell of a week ahead," he told us. "We've got two great tests. Leyton Orient are one of the biggest clubs in this league and they've got the top scorer in their team for us to play against.
"It's going to be a good week, we're going to enjoy ourselves and come up against two of the best teams in the league. We'll see where we are after that.
"It was a good game down at Leyton Orient and we played well. Hopefully we can get the same result and we'll definitely have a good go at them."
"I've been there before when Morecambe go ahead early doors and teams have folded. When they're on top it's difficult, but we stood up to it and kept it down to one. We knew we'd get a couple of opportunities and thankfully we took them.
"We've got our standards and we know they're high, so not too much needs to be said at half time after a performance like that. We knew we weren't hitting the heights we set ourselves, so half time was more of a chance to regroup.
"You can't be on top in every minute of every game, it's impossible, but it's about showing character to stay in games and then having the bravery to take your opportunities when they come.
"Everyone wants to be at 100%, playing their best football every week, but it doesn't happen. It's about having the experience and quality to ride storms when teams are in possession."
"We knew we'd get opportunities," he said. "Whether that was in the first minute or the last minute, we knew they would come. The front boys were outstanding in those last five minutes.
"I think it was a good, physical game. My old man came, he hasn't been able to come for a while, and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. It wasn’t the prettiest game but it never is away at Morecambe. It was a derby atmosphere and no one wanted to lose. We came away with three points and that's all that matters."
"We've got a hell of a week ahead," he told us. "We've got two great tests. Leyton Orient are one of the biggest clubs in this league and they've got the top scorer in their team for us to play against.
"It's going to be a good week, we're going to enjoy ourselves and come up against two of the best teams in the league. We'll see where we are after that.
"It was a good game down at Leyton Orient and we played well. Hopefully we can get the same result and we'll definitely have a good go at them."
And on his run as first team captain, he said: "I've enjoyed being captain but I'm buzzing to see Danny [Grainger] back on the training pitch.
"He's a great lad to have around because he's good to pick on because of his massive head! He'll be back soon, he's getting close and it will be a big boost for the boys on and off the pitch.
"I took the armband with the team in good nick and I don't think I've damaged it too much! We're still in touching distance of the play-offs but I'll give it back to Danny for the all important final push."
"I took the armband with the team in good nick and I don't think I've damaged it too much! We're still in touching distance of the play-offs but I'll give it back to Danny for the all important final push."
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