NEIL Etheridge has faced many international players during his career, but attempting to thwart a star-studded Manchester City promises to be one of the toughest tests of his career.
The 27-year-old stopper is likely to be a busy man between the sticks as Cardiff entertain the Premier League’s top dogs in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round this afternoon (kick-off 4pm).
The Bluebirds have one of the meanest defences in the Championship this season, conceding just 25 goals, but with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne descending on the Welsh capital, Etheridge knows it’s time to batten down the hatches.
“I’m going to be busy,” he said. “They’ve scored the most amount of goals in the country, but we have a very strong defensive unit at Cardiff and, hopefully, that’s no different against City.
“We haven’t conceded too many goals this season, but we will be trying to play as much football as we can. We’ll try and shut up shop, which won’t be easy, but we’re confident we can do it.
“Not many teams have found it easy against City this season. There’s no doubting how good they are and how tough it will be.
Denne historien er fra January 28, 2018-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 28, 2018-utgaven av The Football League Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
LUKE BOOSTED BY WALES ACE LIAM
Swans bid to mark new era in style...
MATT'S DELIGHT OVER RECORD
WYCOMBE boss Wanderers Matt Bloomfield hailed his history-makers after victory at Lincoln City.
TON-UP IAN ENJOYS HIS SPECIAL WIN
AN Evatt described his 100th win as Bolton boss as very special, although he needed Aaron Collins' injurytime goal to bring up the three figures.
DONS LACK A CLINICAL EDGE AS SADDLERS GRAB POINTS
NATHAN Lowe's strike inspired promotion-chasing Walsall to victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium.
SUB GRIMES IS IN-SPIRED TO HEAD THE WINNER
CAPTAIN Jamie Grimes headed in a late winner for Chesterfield after a game of very few chances appeared destined to remain goalless.`
COBBLERS TEST IN TROPHY FOR POSH
HOLDERS Peterborough United have been drawn against fellow League One side Northampton Town in the Round of 32 of the newly-named Vertu Trophy.
HORNETS REMINDED OF GRAY'S BRILLIANCE
WAYNE Rooney expressed his delight as Plymouth extended their unbeaten league home run to six after Andre Gray's last-gasp leveller.
MARTI DOUBTING JOB AFTER DRAW
Rangers home run continues
BIG MAC'S ON TARGET TO SEE OFF THE TIGERS
LUTON boss Rob Edwards felt it was a very good day at the office as his team turned in a gritty performance to beat Hull.
Rohl confident Owls
DANNY Rohl said getting results is the only thing missing as his Owls were held at home by Cardiff.
