Welcome back to St. James’ Park for our fourth home game in succession. We come into tonight’s semi-final on the back of two really tough games this week – both have gone to the wire but there’s a good feeling in camp after the wins over Leeds and Bournemouth.
Obviously when you score late goals it gives you a different feeling than other games. We’ve got a really good feeling in the squad at the moment, we’ve got great experience, and we’ve got characters that mean you can be behind in these games and still end up winning them.
It shows what kind of squad we’ve built here and the mentality we have.
Against Bournemouth, we were delighted to get over the line and I was personally pleased for Aaron Ramsdale because he made three big saves for us. As a goalkeeper, if you make three save in a shoot-out, you definitely want to win it!
I was buzzing for him and the lads to get through in another competition, and now the attention turns to the Carabao Cup again.
I’ve got a really good working relationship with Aaron, we’ve worked together a lot – previously and this season. We spend a lot of time together on the grass, so he’s been really good for me motivation-wise and skill-wise and in training.
We’ve got a really good group of goalkeepers at the moment who all support each other.
Personally, I’m really pleased to be back after a period on the sidelines. It’s really difficult whenever you’re injured, you just want to help out the boys, especially with so many games.
I was always eager do whatever it takes to get back as strongly, quickly, safely as possible. When you’re out you just miss playing football, so I am delighted to finally be back in and be part of some wins.
Tonight, we welcome Manchester City to St. James’ Park for the second time this season, and we know how tough they will be.
A semi-final is obviously a special occasion in any competition, but over two legs it is rarer. We’re looking forward to the tie, and whatever happens after tonight’s game, we will only be half-way through.
But we’ve got home advantage and I’m sure it’ll be a special atmosphere.
We’ve definitely got a big motivation within the squad to win this trophy again. We realised what it meant to the city when we brought the trophy home last season and the goal is to bring it home again.
To wait so long to win a trophy, you’re desperate for one. And as soon as you get one, you want more.
Both the Leeds and Bournemouth games last week were tough games physically, and we saw how the fans can really give us an edge – and drain the opposition as well.
Putting together a strong run at home is something we’ve wanted to do every season that I’ve been here, to use the home advantage and atmosphere the crowd bring.
You’ve been massive for us and I’m glad we’ve been able to repay you with a good run.
