Marc Skinner: We have energy and are ready to go

After last weekend’s draw with West Ham, the Reds are on the road again at the Broadfield Stadium, looking to progress into the next round.

The United manager described it as a ‘difficult test’ but one his team have the energy for.

Skinner spoke to the press about motivation, resolution and gave an update on injuries within the team.

THIS TEAM DOESN’T NEED MOTIVATING

"If you watch the West Ham game, we take a draw from a counter-attack. We had done enough in the game to produce good chances and chances to score. More importantly, the great reaction from the team was that they want to take their performance from West Ham and get the result against Brighton in the knockout stages. It’s going to be difficult, we know they are a good team.

"They had a great result at the weekend. It’s sometimes great having a team that is self-driven in moments like this. I think there is a nice blend of that. I don’t feel at this moment that this team need motivating. They are ready to go, they have energy and want to progress in this competition."

WE WILL BE RESOLUTE

"It looks like a Brighton DNA – possession-based. I know they value that highly so they will press us with the ball. We have to be very clever in how we defend that and work hard. They are good. Watching their play against Bristol [City], you can see how they are developing and the way they want to play. I think we will have to be resolute. I think for both teams the pitch will play a part, both will have to adapt to that. It’s going to be a good game, and one we are not taking lightly by any means."

WE GET A MOMENT TO FOCUS

"We are being compared to the best-ever season the club has had by our women’s team, so if you compare us to that, then it could be seen as a failure. There is a lot of growth this year, a lot of adaptation we have made, future planning into the next seasons. We want to win things but we are not going to shy away from the fact we want to win every game.

"We get a moment to focus on the FA Cup and give everything we can. Beyond then, we have to try and perform, which we have been doing in games. If you watch games and look at how we have been playing, we have been doing that. We just have to get the final details right in both boxes to make sure we are successful. I feel like that is on the horizon, I have no doubt about that."

INJURY UPDATE

"She has been training on the grass for the last few days, so Jayde [Riviere] is potentially available for the game. It obviously depends on minutes but she is available for the squad. Apart from that, baring the long-term injuries, everyone else is available."