Coventry City are preparing for their first Emirates FA Cup semi-final since 1987, when they face Manchester United at Wembley.
Sky Blues defender Ben Sheaf has been a key member of Mark Robins’ team during their run to the last four.
And with promotion to the Premier League still on Coventry’s agenda, he’s eager to test himself against some of the best on Sunday.
You can read the full interview with Ben in the official match programme for Sunday’s game. Order your copy here.
What are some of your early Emirates FA Cup memories?
I always remember watching [the Final] on TV, it would be quite a big event, obviously. I used to go to my nan and grandad’s and have dinner there. They used to cook a nice meal and we used to sit around and watch the game together.
What’s your favourite moment from this season’s FA Cup run so far?
It has to be the last-minute winner against Wolves. The feeling when Haji [Wright] put that in the back of the net was pretty incredible. You know, running over to the corner, celebrating in front of those fans… I don’t think those feelings come very often in football.
You’re facing Manchester United next, is that a daunting task?
There’s no fear, really. We’ve got to look at it like we’ve got nothing to lose. A lot of us are really looking forward to the game. We know on our day we can be a real good test for anyone. United have got some top players and they’re a good team, but we’re really looking forward to the game. I’d like to think playing against Man United and those sorts of Premier League teams can become a regularity for us and hopefully we can get to the Premier League, but I definitely don’t take these moments for granted, we want to go out there and enjoy it.
You’ve captained Coventry City three times in the FA Cup this season, have you thought about how it will feel to walk the team out at Wembley?
Yeah, I think it’s only natural, you know, to think of those moments. I’ve had the armband a few times, and I played in the run to the semi-finals, so I think it’s natural to think about leading your team at Wembley Stadium.
Are you relishing the opportunity to test yourself against world-class midfielders like Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro?
Yeah, for sure. For myself personally, I want to play in the Premier League sooner rather than later and I want to be testing myself against these players week in, week out, so to have that chance to do it in an FA Cup semi-final is brilliant.
You’ve had a pretty remarkable rise from League Two. What would it mean to you to take that next step to the Premier League?
I’ve always wanted to play in the Premier League. I always want to play for England, And I’ve still got those aspirations. I’ve had to do it the hard way, I guess, coming from League Two, League One and the Championship. I feel like I’ve established myself well in this team, and I want to take this team even further. I’ve got to be proud of what I’ve done, but it’s not going to stop me from wanting to develop and get better.
