Pre Hull: Kinnear on tie

Ahead of the Hull game, Joe Kinnear has stressed again how he rates the importance of the FA Cup, with the beleaguered manager ready to put out his strongest side despite the injuries currently butchering our squad. After watching Carroll, Taylor and (once again) Enrique fall foul of the crock`s curse surrounding the club, Kinnear said:

'Despite all of our injuries, we put out a team that was set up to win the game at Hull because we wanted to get through at the first attempt. But we have a replay to get through, and we're feeling upbeat going into it. The cup, to some, is a competition that can have a draining effect on your squad, which we know all about, but it's one we are looking forward to.

Fingers crossed we won't pick up any more injuries, because if we do we'll be in serious trouble for the Blackburn game (on Saturday). I've taken six players out of the Academy, and might have to start two or three of them.

Again, we'll be without some key players, but the players from Saturday who put so much effort in can give themselves a pat on the back. They did very well and didn't give up. We also had fantastic support from the Geordies, and we'll be hoping for more of the same.'

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