Avoid Swansea play-off - Gerrard

Last updated : 21 April 2010 By BBC Sport

Cardiff City defender Anthony Gerrard says he does not want Swansea City in the Championship play-offs because of the extra pressure it would bring.The Bluebirds have already secured their top six place while the Swans have two games to try and join them.

"Given last year's ridiculous results and the way Cardiff capitulated I'm happy to be there now," said Gerrard.

"But to be honest, it would be absolute carnage if Cardiff and Swansea met anywhere in the play-offs."

The Bluebirds sealed their place in the play-offs thanks to a 1-0 win at Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, and is the first time they have reached them since winning promotion to the Championship in 2003.

They should have done it last year, but spectacularly blew their chance of reaching last season's play-offs after failing to win their last four games and missed out by a goal.

Gerrard, the cousin of Liverpool star Steven Gerrard, was not part of that Cardiff side, but has played a key role since joining last summer from Walsall for an undisclosed fee.

And having experienced the rivalry between Cardiff and Swansea this season, Gerrard admits he would rather play any other team who makes it.

"It would come with a lot of baggage, unneeded pressure and other sort of stuff which in football you've got to deal with," the 23-year-old told Radio Wales Sport.

"But not when it comes to the end of the season when it's make or break.

"From a personal point of view, I would like to play somebody else. I fancy our chances against anybody home or away."

The two Welsh rivals have beaten each other in the league this season.

Swansea won the first meeting back in November when two goals from Darren Pratley and one from Nathan Dyer helps the Swans to a 3-2 win at the Liberty Stadium.

But Cardiff won this month's meeting at the Cardiff City Stadium with Michael Chopra grabbing both goals in a 2-1 win - their first derby win in nine attempts.

"The game at the Liberty Stadium we were 2-0 down and we dragged it back to 2-2 but then gave them a sloppy goal," added Gerrard.

"Then at the Cardiff City City Stadium it was a fantastic atmosphere and to score in the last minute was absolutely a dream come true.

"Swansea don't change their philosophy, they are always playing football and if we score in the last minute against a decent side, you expect to be bombarded with long balls in the last two minutes.

"But Swansea were happy to play it around the back which we were very delighted about."

Nottingham Forest have also reached the play-offs, while Leicester look close to joining them which leaves Swansea and Blackpool battling for the last place, with the Swans currently in pole position.

Source: BBC Sport

Source: BBC Sport