Liam Lawrence warns Town to stay focused
Captain Liam Lawrence has told Shrewsbury Town's players that concentration is key if they want to get anything out of their game against Chelsea.
Town face the Blues in the fourth round of the Capital One Cup in front of a sell-out crowd at Greenhous Meadow tonight.
And having played against Jose Mourihno in the past, Lawrence believes staying focused for 90 minutes is Shrewsbury's best chance of taking something from the tie.
He said: "I played against them for Portsmouth once and after 40 minutes it was nil-nil and I thought we were doing really well.
"But we lost concentration just before half-time and we ended up losing by five. That is the quality you are up against and I've told that to all the lads.
"The key thing is to concentrate for the entire game because if you switch off for just a moment you break the chain and can find yourself under pressure."
Lawrence is tipping Chelsea, who are four points clear at the top of the Premier League, to reclaim the title at the end of the season.
But he still feels Town have enough in their squad to test the champions elect.
He said: "Chelsea are a top, top side. They are flying high in the Premier League but we want to put on a performance.
"I think they will win the league by a distance, they are top class. But we have got absolutely nothing to lose.
"People didn't expect us to win against Norwich. Chelsea are the team that is expected to win and we believe we have got a chance.
"We are going to have a huge crowd here. There has been two extra stands installed and the fans will be right behind us.
"The whole town is looking forward to this game and that's going to be a big help. Them behind us will give us an edge."
Lawrence, who also played against Chelsea for Stoke, admitted to being a big fan of Blues boss Jose Mourihno.
He said: "He has just got that aura. Whatever club he goes to he has success and that can't be a coincidence.
"I don't think he's a manager who shouts and screams, I've heard he does what he has to in the dressing room.
"He is showman and great entertainment. But when you are as good as him and you have won what he has won then you can be a showman."
