Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Maty Ryan has challenged the side to create more special memories when they face Manchester City in the semi-finals of the Emirates FA Cup next month.
The Seagulls head to Wembley Stadium on the first weekend of April having booked their place in the final four of the historic competition for the first time in 36 years, following a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Millwall last weekend at The Den.
He said, “It’s a big challenge awaiting us because they’re a great team, but I play the game to try and create as many life-long memories as possible by being successful.
“The bigger the challenge the better the memory – the game against Millwall shows that, our semi-final opponents are at the pinnacle of the game at the moment and it’s one we’ll all look forward to.
“The pressure is on the big side and everyone has a result that they think will happen.
“But in sport the underdog quite often makes a game of it – Swansea City showed that, and we’ll do everything we can to focus on ourselves whilst still respecting the opposition.
“There’s no shying away from the fact it will be tough but it’s a real opportunity to do something special.”
The Australian stopper made his debut in the competition during the win over Neil Harris’s men, saving from Mahlon Romeo in the shootout, which forced sudden death.
Lewis Dunk coolly converted from the spot before Jake Cooper fired over to seal Albion's place at Wembley, and Ryan spoke of the pride he takes in representing the Seagulls.
“I’m just always proud to represent our club and our fans – the club has come such a long way over the past few years.
“We’ve made everyone proud of us so far this season, and now we have another opportunity to do that again.
“The club had some dark days and some struggles, but to now be competing at the highest level and reaching this stage of the cup is something we can all be proud of.”