Saddlers stopper reacts to Capital One Cup draw...
COMMANDING Goalkeeper, Neil Etheridge insists the players have what it takes to add Premier League Champions, Chelsea, to a growing list of cup scalps.The Saddlers came from behind to beat Brighton on Tuesday night and book a Capital One Cup third round tie with Etheridge’s former employers.
It added to our first round victory over another Championship side, Nottingham Forest and the 25-year old stopper has set his sights on progressing further in the competition.
“For me Chelsea is where it all began many, many years ago,” explained the Filipino international. “Growing up in London, it is a club I have followed throughout my career.
“To play them here at home, I think we have really got a chance.
“People might say I am crazy but we have pulled off Forest away and Brighton at home. There is no reason why we can’t pull of Chelsea at home as well.
“The boys really wanted a big Premier League side. Me not so much, I want the best chance of progressing further in the competition.
“But at the same time it is nice to have Chelsea. They won’t want to come here. It’s a smaller stadium than what they are used to and if they come here and are a bit complacent we have a great chance.
“They are the champions of England and regardless of what team they put out it will be full of internationals.
“But we have had a great start to the season and we answered a lot of questions against Brighton.
“At half time we had to respond to being behind for the first time this season.
“And we did it and not just against a team in the same league, but against Brighton who could be in the Championship play-offs at the end of the season.
“Chelsea will be fantastic but we need to keep our feet firmly on the ground.
“From now until then we have to concentrate on the league because the main priority for the season is to win promotion.”