Griffin vows: 'We won't let anyone down'

Anthony Smith • Published 22 Apr 2011 08:30 0 Comments

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ANDY Griffin will be hoping Reading don't let anyone down at Leeds United tonight - especially millions of fans watching on the box (7.45pm ko, live Sky Sports).

Red-hot Royals will make it nine straight Championship victories if they beat Leeds in the televised Good Friday clash at Elland Road.

And another win for Brian McDermott's side in the mouthwatering six-pointer would be a further boost to their chances of snatching the second automatic promotion spot, and a further blow to Leeds' hopes of clinging on to sixth place.

Griffin exclaimed: "It's got the makings of a great night and all the ingredients to be a good game for the neutral, so I understand why Sky are showing it live on television.

"Hopefully we won't let anyone down and we can come away with three points because that's what we're going there for. The belief, camaraderie and spirit in our team is very high at the moment.

"Beating Leicester last weekend kept the run going. I think that's eight wins on the bounce so hopefully we can go to Leeds and make that nine.

"We've just got to keep the momentum going and keep the belief. If we show the same levels of desire, determination and will to win we have a chance."

Reading have rocketed up the table thanks to their sensational run of form and trail second-placed Cardiff City by just three points heading into a pivotal weekend in the promotion race, with Bluebirds set to face leaders QPR on Saturday.

Their style of play has also won them a growing army of admirers from afar having plundered 22 goals in their current eight-match winning streak.

"It's pleasing on the eye when you have the likes of Jobi McAnuff, Jimmy Kebe and Shane Long using their pace," argued ex-Newcastle and Stoke full-back Griffin. "Then obviously we have other players right at the top of their game.

"At this moment in time it is a pleasure to play with them, and I've been very fortunate to have played with some big, big names.

Meanwhile, Griffin, 32, paid tribute to fellow full-back Ian Harte who was named in the PFA Championship Team of the Year this week.

The 33-year-old ex-Republic of Ireland star has proved to be one of the bargains of the season following his £50,000 move from Carlisle United last summer.

"I think it is fully deserved as Ian's goalscoring record is phenomenal," admitted Griffin. "He's scored 10 goals this season and I've only managed eight in my whole career.

"He's a very talented footballer who has had a fantastic career until now. He's exceptionally modest to go with it and that is a tribute to him as a man.

"He made the step up from a lower division to this one. It was going to be tough but he made it looked comfortable and he's definitely got his just rewards, and full credit to him."

McDermott is likely to name an unchanged side for the clash against Simon Grayson's Leeds.

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