Malky Mackay will attempt to blank out thoughts of Wembley as he takes Cardiff City to Crystal Palace in the semi-final of the Carling Cup tonight.
A date with Kenny Dalglish or Roberto Mancini awaits the winners of the two-legged semi-final but the former Celtic centre-half is concentrating his attention on Dougie Freedman’s Crystal Palace.
“The thought of a Carling Cup final could be at the back of everybody’s minds,” the Cardiff boss admitted. “But we also know our double-header against Crystal Palace is going to be tough. It’s going to be that way over both legs.
“I played three times at the Millennium Stadium and it’s funny that I am now living here as manager of Cardiff City.
“It’s true that one Championship team will reach the Carling Cup final, either Crystal Palace or ourselves. That will be a great achievement for whoever gets there.
“I’ve never been involved in a football capacity at Wembley Stadium and that’s something I would love at some stage, but we have to stay focused on the semi-finals.”
“It’s true that one Championship team will reach the Carling Cup final, either Crystal Palace or ourselves. That will be a great achievement for whoever gets there.
“The mood within the group is good. The players are in good spirits. Our league win at home against Palace earlier this season won’t have any bearing, none at all, this evening. It will be tight and the second leg will be tight.
“We’ll approach this first game just like any other away match. We have to face it like that to ensure we go there and give a good account of ourselves.
“I realise that because we did not draw ManchesterCity or Liverpool expectation levels have risen. If we had been playing either of those teams the people of Cardiff would not have been talking up our Wembley chances too much.
“Both Crystal Palace and ourselves were probably delighted not to have drawn either Manchester City or Liverpool. But we both know there are still two extremely difficult matches ahead of us.”
CLICK HERE for Nakamura free kick lands in passing bus
CLICK HERE for Kenny Miller’s Sky Sports misery
Follow Video Celts on Twitter, Facebook
Come to Coral Sports and get all of the latest odds for upcoming Celtic matches or any other football fixtures that take your fancy. Be sure not to miss out on their latest odds!
Best wishes to the big man !