Reading's Jem Karacan wants Wembley return in FA Cup

Saturday 14 Mar 2015
Karacan is congratulated after his goal against Watford at the weekend

Reading captain Jem Karacan is targeting another trip to Wembley ahead of Monday’s "massive" FA Cup tie with Bradford City.

The midfielder was part of the Royals' team which reached Wembley in the 2011 Championship play-off final.

They lost to Swansea City on that occasion, but Karacan still holds fond memories of playing under the Arch with another trip now just one victory away.

Reading v Bradford City

The FA Cup
Quarter-Final Replay 
7.45pm, Monday 16 March 2015
Madejski Stadium, Reading
Winners receive £360,000 from prize fund
Live on BBC One

"We have the chance to play at Wembley…it’s a feeling that will always stay with me and one which is difficult to describe," said Karacan, who was on the scoresheet during the Royals’ 4-1 defeat at Watford on Saturday.

"I want another day at Wembley and the lads will be trying everything they can to get there. 

"It’s a massive game for the club, one that we’re really looking forward to. 

"We'll get all the boys together now and look forward to the game against Bradford."

Karacan is unlikely to be involved from the start of Monday's sixth round replay, having only just returned from a long-term knee injury himself.

Watch highlights from the first tie at Valley Parade

He took a major step on his road to recovery with that appearance and goal.

And with the Madejski Stadium sold-out for the replay, he's hoping to be involved again for what is the biggest game of the season so far for Steve Clarke's side.

"It's going to be a really good occasion, but we'll need the 20,000 or so Reading fans supporting us and making it one hell of an atmosphere for the boys to play in," added the 26-year-old, speaking to ReadingFC.co.uk.

"It was nice to score that goal, after so long out. I've missed that goalscoring feeling. 

"If you tell any player whose been out for 18 months that they’re going to get half an hour, they’re going to run themselves into the ground. 

"It's another step on the ladder. I got 70 minutes for the Under-21s last week and I took a pretty hefty challenge in that game too. 

"So the confidence to come through one of those tackles, train the whole week and then play today - it's good for me to know I can come through all that. 

"The most frustrating thing for me is that I got given the captain’s armband in the summer and this was the first chance I got to wear it! 

"I'll keep plugging away, working hard and doing what I can to help this club. There's still a long way to go, but I'll be working day in, day out to prove my worth here."

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels