Tom Carroll remembers Ryan Giggs’s famous FA Cup Semi-Final goal against Arsenal as if it was yesterday.
The Swansea City midfielder was only seven when, nearly 16 years ago, the Manchester United winger shredded the Gunners defence before shedding his shirt in celebration.
Blackburn v Swansea
The FA Cup
Fourth Round Proper
12.45pm Saturday 24 January
Ewood Park, Blackburn Rovers FC
Live on BBC One Wales
Winners receive £90,000 from prize fund
It was the kind of moment that Carroll feels that best sums up The FA Cup.
"I love playing in the Cup. There is so much tradition behind it," he said.
"From a young age I’ve been aware of it, watching all the Wembley Finals. It’s something any player wants to be a part of.
"One of my favourites has got to be the Giggs goal against Arsenal, when he dribbled through about four or five players and then smashed it. It was a great goal."
The 22-year-old arrived at the Liberty Stadium on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur at the start of the campaign, and has been relishing the chance to help the Swans put together a Cup run.
Ryan Giggs's goal against Arsenal in 1999 remains Tom Carroll's favourite Cup moment
They travel to Blackburn Rovers for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off and are still mindful of the wisdom imparted to them by boss Garry Monk before their 6-2 Third Round victory at Tranmere Rovers.
"Everyone at the club enjoys playing in The FA Cup. We have a tough game at Blackburn but we’re really looking forward to it," added Carroll.
"I think the English and Welsh lads at Swansea know a lot about The Cup and what it means.
"But the manager took us in before the Tranmere match and gave us a little pep talk about how special Cup moments can be.
"Getting a run in The Cup would be great for us. They [Swansea] won the League Cup a few years ago and the manager wants us to do it again."
Two years ago, Monk was a second-half substitute when Swansea beat Bradford City to secure the only major trophy of their 103-year history – but the former bit-part player has become a guiding light.
“He demands the best from you every day. Everyone knows what their job is”
Tom Carroll on Swansea boss Garry Monk
Carroll said: "He demands the best from you every day, which I like. It’s important to keep raising your standards as a club and as an individual.
"He has a great attention to detail and wants everything perfect.
"Everyone is clear on what their job is. And bar last weekend [in the 5-0 defeat by Chelsea] we’ve done that."
England Under-21s play-maker Carroll has been something a serial loanee over the last few years, playing last season for Queens Park Rangers having previously turned out for Derby County and Leyton Orient.
But he felt a tingle of excitement when Swansea offered Premier League football at the start of the season.
"When the loan opportunity came up I thought I have to take it," he explained.
"I’ve been watching Swansea and their style of football over the past few years and I knew that I might fit in with what they’re trying to do.
"It can only help playing regularly against some of the best players in the world, and I’m enjoying rising to the challenge and improving my game."
Tom Carroll in training with England Under-21s
Each morning Watford-born Carroll can open his curtains to a sea view, and he picks up England U20s and former Exeter City midfielder Matt Grimes on his way to training.
"It’s a bit different to London but they’re a friendly bunch down here and the lads have made me feel really welcome," he said.
"The people are really friendly. A lot of people who live around here are Swansea fans – it’s a real tightknit community."
He added: "I’m here on loan and according to my contract I’ll be back at Spurs in the summer. I’m not sure what the [long-term] plan is.
"But I think in football you have got to go where your opportunities are. I am enjoying my football – and if I’m enjoying my football then I’m happy."
