Sky Blues captain believes that the FA Cup is as big as ever and is targeting a cup run as they take on Worcester City on Sunday…
Coventry City captain Reda Johnson has no doubt about the test they face against Worcester City at the Ricoh Arena on Sunday as they take on the Dragons in the FA Cup First Round.The Vanarama Conference North side have won two games already in the competition, against Leamington and Greenwich Borough, and will be looking to cause a massive upset against a side three divisions above them.
But, Johnson was quick to point out the test that Worcester will pose and revealed that they are taking the game as serious as any other.
"First of all I am looking forward to the game." He said, "I have a lot of respect for Worcester, it will not be an easy game. It could be a nightmare if we don't start well.
"But we are taking it seriously. We will want to go ahead as quickly as possible. We have been preparing the same way as a league match, this is a tournament we want to do well in."
City made it all the way to the fourth round last season and enjoyed a glamour tie at the Emirates Stadium against eventual winners Arsenal.
Johnson believes that the 'magic' of the cup is still alive and wants another extended run in the cup.
He continued: "The FA Cup is brilliant. It gives the chance to play against massive teams, we all want to play against the likes of Man United and Arsenal.
"All the way down to the qualifying rounds everyone is thinking the same thing, getting as far into the tournament as possible and hoping to play against the best teams in England.
"Last season this team made it far and we want to do the same again. Coventry have played Arsenal and Tottenham recently and we would love to play them again."
Johnson was part of the Sheffield Wednesday team that faced Vanarama Premier side Macclesfield last season and he believes that previously playing against a lower league team gives him an idea of what to expect on Sunday.
He concluded: "When you are the underdog, you are desperate to play well. They will never give up and they will want to perform for their travelling fans.
"We have to be professional because if we play the way we can we will beat them. It should be a great day and a great cup tie."
He continued: "The FA Cup is brilliant. It gives the chance to play against massive teams, we all want to play against the likes of Man United and Arsenal.
"All the way down to the qualifying rounds everyone is thinking the same thing, getting as far into the tournament as possible and hoping to play against the best teams in England.
"Last season this team made it far and we want to do the same again. Coventry have played Arsenal and Tottenham recently and we would love to play them again."
Johnson was part of the Sheffield Wednesday team that faced Vanarama Premier side Macclesfield last season and he believes that previously playing against a lower league team gives him an idea of what to expect on Sunday.
He concluded: "When you are the underdog, you are desperate to play well. They will never give up and they will want to perform for their travelling fans.
"We have to be professional because if we play the way we can we will beat them. It should be a great day and a great cup tie."