DOWIE TAKES ON MENTOR O'NEILL AND "CREAM OF BRITISH TALENT"
QPR managerIain Dowie will put friendship to one side on Wednesday when he attempts to defeat his mentor, Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa in the Carling Cup. The former Northern Ireland internationals became good pals two years ago, while at the World Cup in Germany.
And elder statesman O'Neill, who made 64 appearances for his country, has offered advice and hot drinks to 59-cap Dowie in his fledgling management career. The 43-year-old Dowie said: "Martin and I spent a lot of time together at the World Cup in Germany and we got to know each other very well and are good friends.
"I always keep track of him and of course there is the Northern Ireland connection too. I've been for a cup of tea in his office a few times. He is a very busy man but he has been very helpful."
Dowie, who scored in the 1994/95 FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park to force Manchester United to a replay against Crystal Palace, is envious of the firepower his opposite man can call upon, but tips his hat for O'Neill, 56, for building a young, British side. "Martin has put Gabriel Agbonlahor in, and bought in other English youngsters Nigel Reo-Coker, Ashley Young, Luke Young, Curtis Davies and Nicky Shorey," continued the former Coventry manager.
"They are all good young players and in Martin Laursen, Gareth Barry, John Carew, Brad Friedel and Stiliyan Petrov he has some experienced players too. Martin's side have a very good balance and it is refreshing what he is doing in regards to selecting young Englishmen, when these days teams are packed with foreigners.
"In Ashley Young, one of the best natural wingers in the game, and Agbonlahor you have the cream of British talent. I went to watch them on Sunday against West Bromwich and they were a real potent attacking threat. I don't think I need to get my players up for it. If you are not up for playing against the best young British players in the country then you should not be in the game."
On the prospect of QPR, who sit fourth in the Championship, progressing to the fourth round of the Carling Cup, Dowie added: "We have a very pacy defence but it is difficult when Agbonlahor drops off and even if you hold a high line he can get behind you. And John Carew is a big part of his game and a good foil for him, so we will have to be on our game.
"Martin has a history of wanting to do well in this tournament and we will be very strong. Will not shut up shop at Villa Park either, so it should be an interesting game."
QPR managerIain Dowie will put friendship to one side on Wednesday when he attempts to defeat his mentor, Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa in the Carling Cup. The former Northern Ireland internationals became good pals two years ago, while at the World Cup in Germany.
And elder statesman O'Neill, who made 64 appearances for his country, has offered advice and hot drinks to 59-cap Dowie in his fledgling management career. The 43-year-old Dowie said: "Martin and I spent a lot of time together at the World Cup in Germany and we got to know each other very well and are good friends.
"I always keep track of him and of course there is the Northern Ireland connection too. I've been for a cup of tea in his office a few times. He is a very busy man but he has been very helpful."
Dowie, who scored in the 1994/95 FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park to force Manchester United to a replay against Crystal Palace, is envious of the firepower his opposite man can call upon, but tips his hat for O'Neill, 56, for building a young, British side. "Martin has put Gabriel Agbonlahor in, and bought in other English youngsters Nigel Reo-Coker, Ashley Young, Luke Young, Curtis Davies and Nicky Shorey," continued the former Coventry manager.
"They are all good young players and in Martin Laursen, Gareth Barry, John Carew, Brad Friedel and Stiliyan Petrov he has some experienced players too. Martin's side have a very good balance and it is refreshing what he is doing in regards to selecting young Englishmen, when these days teams are packed with foreigners.
"In Ashley Young, one of the best natural wingers in the game, and Agbonlahor you have the cream of British talent. I went to watch them on Sunday against West Bromwich and they were a real potent attacking threat. I don't think I need to get my players up for it. If you are not up for playing against the best young British players in the country then you should not be in the game."
On the prospect of QPR, who sit fourth in the Championship, progressing to the fourth round of the Carling Cup, Dowie added: "We have a very pacy defence but it is difficult when Agbonlahor drops off and even if you hold a high line he can get behind you. And John Carew is a big part of his game and a good foil for him, so we will have to be on our game.
"Martin has a history of wanting to do well in this tournament and we will be very strong. Will not shut up shop at Villa Park either, so it should be an interesting game."
Labels: Aston Villa, Carling Cup, Iain Dowie, Martin O'Neilll, Queens Park Rangers
