Wilson certain Pools will learn from wily Foxes

11:28am Saturday 6th September 2008

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DANNY Wilson reckons Leicester City are red-hot favourites for promotion after seeing their quality at first hand in Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

And with today’s opponents, Milwall, also ending their interest in the competition after a 1-0 reverse at home to Peterborough, both sides will be hoping to bounce back in this afternoon’s League One encounter.

The Foxes were relegated from the Championship on the final day of last season and Wilson believes they have the quality to return at the first attempt.

“I thought the first 45 minutes was terrific football on Tuesday. But I also felt that the first goal would be crucial and unfortunately they got it,” said Wilson, who saw former Pools player Steve Howard return to give his exemployees a torrid time.

“Howard was a handful all night and he is arguably one of the best strikers in our division at what he does, if not the Championship as well,”

confirmed the Pools’ boss, who reckons the depth in The Foxes squad will be a key factor in their success this season.

“It was always going to be a difficult night for our defenders.

I think every club they face this season will have to be on top of their game to get anything out of games against them. Their boys are Championship players, and some of them could be Premiership players,” said Wilson, who reckons it could be a different outcome when the sides face each other in the league at the end of the month.

“We gave them a very good run for their money and I’d like to think that when we have a full side out with experience in it, and I don’t mean that disrespectfully to the boys that played, it may be totally different when we play in the league game.”

The game in midweek proved to be a baptism of fire for two players handed their competitive debuts as both Alan Power and Jonny Rowell failed to make an impact for Pools.

“Jonny has a lot of quality on the ball and a massive learning curve ahead of him, but he has to start somewhere,”

said Wilson.

“Why not play him against a team of the quality of Leicester and let him understand what really is in front of him if he is going to force his way into league football?

“Alan Power has come into the side and played some very tough games recently and reserve football is no match at all for league football,” added Wilson, who is in confident mood ahead of today’s clash.

“We have played a lot of the fancied teams and we’ve done ourselves justice, so going to Milwall holds no fear for us.

We are creating a lot of chances but we have to take more, then it will make our job a little bit easier.

“They will be very strong under Kenny Jackett this year and with their fans backing them it will be tough, but there has been nothing to worry us so far this season.”