6/5/2009 1:50:00 PM Hogges' Shakir in a defensive mood
Omar Shakir said: “We’re not even halfway through the season so we can’t get too full of ourselves. That’s something that definitely concerns me. I don’t want to see any complacency slip into the team. It’s easy for that to happen when you have a few good results and that could be our biggest enemy."
Hogges skipper Omar Shakir has warned his team not to get too big headed about their impressive start to the season.
Defensive powerhouse Shakir believes complacency is the biggest threat to the Hogges play-off chances as they prepare for a crucial streak of four games on the road.
"We have to keep our heads on our shoulders," said Shakir.
"We're not even halfway through the season so we can't get too full of ourselves. That's something that definitely concerns me. I don't want to see any complacency slip into the team. It's easy for that to happen when you have a few good results and that could be our biggest enemy.
"It's hard work that got us this far and that has to continue."
Shakir, who has led the defence to three shutouts in the last five games, believes the back four of himself, Kevin Richards, Blenn Bean and Darius Cox have been as solid as any backline in the league so far this season.
"If we can keep this back four together there is no reason why we can't go on getting shut-outs.
"A good defence is the backbone of any successful side and if we can keep it strong then it gives confidence to the whole team that even if we just get one goal we could still come away with three points.
"We've had the same back four for five home games in succession and I think most of us played the full 90 minutes in every game.
"That kind of consistency with the line-up makes a huge difference and we've developed a good understanding as a backline."
All four were available for this weekend's double-header against Wilmington Hammerheads tonight and Charlotte Eagles tomorrow.
And the Hogges will be looking to take maximum points on the road as they press for a play-off place.
"We've had good results lately and we've matched these teams in every aspect.
"We don't have any reason to believe that we are underdogs," said Shakir.
"We've been working hard in training, we've got a decent squad traveling so we are confident of picking up some points, hopefully the maximum."
Shakir believes the Hogges have been unlucky not to pick up more points away from home in previous seasons.
And he reckons an increased emphasis on consistency of selection will make a difference this time.
"I think most of the players have understood what is expected of us in terms of committing to travel and we will have pretty much full strength squads for both trips (this weekend and next weekend)."
