Scott Laird says he predicted a performance such as the one Preston North End produced against Carlisle United in their 6-1 win at Deepdale.
Goals from Stuart Beavon, Alan Browne, Lee Holmes and a second half Craig Davies hat-trick ensured Graham Kavanagh’s side were sent back up the M6 empty handed.
The Lilywhites dominated from the first whistle to the last but the performance did not surprise Laird because of the high level of intensity he has witnessed in training recently.
“I think the last couple of weeks in training I saw that coming,” Laird told PNE.Com in an exclusive interview.
“Everyone seems really confident, I think today everyone showed the confidence, you could see for how many options when somebody had the ball.
“The passing and movement, one-two touch football and there was some lovely attacking on show today.”
Gary Madine scored just before half time to make the score 2-1 at the break but the Lilywhites stormed out of the blocks and restored their two goal cushion minutes after the restart.
“I think we tried to make it a little bit hard for ourselves just before half time but I think the boys showed a great attitude and especially second half to come out and get the third goal and push on from there,” he said.
“I think too many times this season we’ve gone two goals ahead and we’ve kind of sat back on it, I think today we were more ruthless and I think it could have been a few more.”
Laird was handed his first start in over a month in place of David Buchanan as Simon Grayson made five changes to the side which drew 1-1 with Bristol City.
The left back lauded his teammates for their determination to succeed when given the chance to shine in the starting line up and reserved special praise for Alan Browne, who scored his first goal in professional football against Carlisle.
“First of all, I think everyone is ready to come in, this squad is a very good squad, whoever plays, a few changes today.”
“Alan Browne got his first start, got a goal and played really well and then personally for myself I had to keep myself going.”
“I’ve played a lot of football this season, so has Buchs and we’ve got two very good left backs and the gaffer chooses to play whatever team to win the game and so far this season he has picked the right team more often than not.”
Deepdale observed an impeccable minute’s silence prior to the match in memory of the 96 fans who lost their lives during the 1989 Hillsborough Disaster.
Tuesday marks the 25th anniversary of the tragedy, which occurred during the FA Cup semi final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest in Sheffield.
“We’ve had a few of these things this season, Sir Tom Finney, Remembrance Day and all that comes around,” Laird said.
“It’s great to be a part of it and show your respect and help as well towards everything that’s going on and I think everyone conducted themselves really well with the minute’s silence and I think we put in a great performance on a special day.”