Express & Star

West Brom's Scott Sinclair geared up for Old Trafford trip

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Scott Sinclair hopes to silence any Old Trafford boo-boys tomorrow by helping Albion make history against Manchester United.

moreThe Baggies head north looking to end their 35-year wait for an away win against the Red Devils.

And loan signing Sinclair is braced for some 'stick' from the home crowd due to his links with their local rivals Manchester City.

But, after tasting Capital One Cup disappointment on penalties against Arsenal on Wednesday, Sinclair is eyeing a prize scalp in the north-west.

"Coming off the back of the Sunderland game in the Premier League we should be looking forward to getting back to the Premier League and hopefully putting Wednesday behind us," said the 24-year-old.

"There is never a good time to play United. It is always going to be a hard game, but I'm sure all the boys will be up for it and hopefully we can go there and get a good result.

"I'm sure the United fans will give me stick for being at City but that's football for you.

"It's great for any player going to Old Trafford.

"It's exciting to go there and try to show what you've got and it would be nice to cause an upset.

"Going into extra-time like we did on Wednesday is difficult for players at times but we've got a great fitness staff and I'm sure whoever plays will be fully ready."

The Baggies face a United side still adjusting to life under David Moyes after Sir Alex Ferguson's amazing dynasty ended last season with a 5-5 draw at The Hawthorns.

Mixed early-season results, culminating in last weekend's 4-1 derby defeat to City, have put some pressure on Moyes, but his squad responded with a 1-0 Capital One Cup victory against Liverpool.

"He is a good manager and I'm sure as soon as he adjusts things will start to go right," said Sinclair.

"He's a great manager and I'm sure he will be great for United.

"It's always nice to get a good start but it's a long old season. People think when you have a good few games at the start of the season you've won the league but that's not the case. I think the Premier League has got stronger and anyone can beat anyone.

"It's always going to be a hard game against United whether they have won, lost or drawn.

"I've had no goals or wins at Old Trafford yet but hopefully I can do it tomorrow. Against Arsenal, the team did well. It was a shame that it went to penalties because we created a lot of chances and if we'd buried them we would have won the game."

Craig Dawson and Morgan Amalfitano will head for Old Trafford looking to erase the memory of their penalty shoot-out misery against the Gunners. But Sinclair is backing them to make up for those misses.

"It is going to affect players when they miss penalties but the game is done now and we've got to move on. We can't do anything about it," said Sinclair.

Albion are expected to revert to a more familiar team at Old Trafford after head coach Steve Clarke made eight changes against the Gunners.

But Wednesday's captain Steven Reid believes many of the Hawthorns understudies furthered their claims for Premier League opportunities.

"Three of the back four had all captained our countries, so we've got a strong squad now," he said.

"A few of the players will be looking to get into the Premier League team, especially Saido Berahino."