The thought of a Capital One Cup second-round battle against Manchester United is getting Preston North End boss Simon Grayson excited.
Preston will play Rochdale in an all League One clash at Spotland in the first round on Tuesday after the pair began their league campaigns with a draw and a defeat respectively.
The last time the two sides met in a cup encounter was in November 2011 for a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie, won by Preston on penalties, and Grayson would dearly love to repeat the feat.
“For the first time in a long time Manchester United will be involved in the second round and you want to win football matches and try and play against the biggest teams and that’s a big carrot,” said Grayson.
“Everyone saw the excitement of this competition last year when we beat Blackpool and we want a good run in it again.”
Rochdale manager Keith Hill was happy to hand the momentum to his opposite number by suggesting Preston could be in the Championship next season.
“Let’s be right, Preston for me are the stand out favourites. I think they’re really geared for automatic promotion.”
Dale have no new injury worries and will be looking for youngster Scott Tanser to continue his excellent early season form after he was named man of the match on his first senior start for the club at the weekend.
“He’s an outstanding talent and he reads the game superbly. I’m more than happy to put my trust him because he won’t let me down,” added Hill.
Grayson is only without long-term absentees Kyel Reid and Lee Holmes for the clash, with plenty of options at his disposal after the 1-1 draw with Notts County.
Grayson may reshuffle his pack after several senior players did not even make the bench for the opening game, citing a lack of match sharpness for some players.
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