Goalkeeper Simon Moore previews the FA Cup clash against Southampton and says the Sky Blues are relishing the opportunity.
With over 5,000 City fans set to be in the stands at St Mary’s, Simon Moore praised the Sky Blue army for their support over the course of the season.
“It’s amazing and shows how good the support is here.” Moore said.
“So many people asking me when I’m out getting a coffee can you get me some tickets and I think that’s a nice thing, it goes to show at the football club there’s a bond between the fans and the players at the moment and that’s something we want to continue.
“It’s good for the FA Cup because a lot of people think the magic of the FA Cup has died over the past few years and it’s great to see a sellout at a top Premier League club, the atmosphere will be brilliant and we’re really looking forward to it.
“Even I’m struggling to get tickets, full credit to the Cov fans for selling out, it just goes to show what great support they’ve given us over the season, we’re going down there looking forward to the challenge and we’ve got great backing from the fans and I know it’s a sell-out, it’s day to look forward to, rather than be in fear of, in my opinion.”
In Southampton, the Sky Blues face potentially their toughest test this season, coming up against top calibre players and Moore spoke on the threat of the opposition, but says his side are locked in for the occasion.
“It’s exciting, we’re coming up against a top team, I think when we beat Derby everyone was excited for the draw and Southampton are an established Premier League team and we’ll go down there and it’s a challenge we’re all looking forward to.
“Everyone looks at it differently, for me it’s one of enjoyment and it’s another experience and test for the whole squad and one that we deserve because I think we’ve played some outstanding football this season and it’s going to be nice to test it against a real top opposition, so it will be nice to see where we are at really.
“The confidence is always there, it’ll be a different challenge and I don’t think that we need to change any of our beliefs really, we’ll go down there full of confidence and I believe personally in this squad that we’ve got fantastic ability, but if we’re going to do anything, we’re going to need every player.
“They’ve got some fantastic individuals, who can turn it on, but as a squad we’re going to need the whole squad if we’re going to do anything special.”
“It’s the FA Cup, anything can happen, you only have to look at Cambridge versus Newcastle, I don’t think anyone would’ve predicted that to happen, again, it’s important for us to get there will confidence and belief and see where it takes us.”
With a free-kick specialist in James Ward-Prowse on the opposing side, Moore spoke about how to stop the England international’s set-piece efforts, as well as commenting on the goalkeeping competition at the club.
“Us goalkeepers were practicing free-kicks yesterday, but me and Ben did a question and answer yesterday and Ben fancies himself as a bit of a striker, so we’re getting plenty of practice in.
“I think you’ve just got to give yourself every chance, setting up right, making sure you’re in the right position, making sure you’ve got your wall right, put everything into place and if he sticks it in the top corner then fair play.
"I think he’s one free-kick behind Beckham I read the other day, these are the games you want to play in, you want to test yourself against world class opposition, so it’s an opportunity for all of us as players to do that, it’s one that we’re relishing.
“You have to be prepared for everyone situation, we’ve got Aled, who’s a top coach and will analyse the opposition and put that into place on the training field, but it’s the same throughout the whole squad.
"If we prepare right, give ourselves the opportunity, which we do for every game, then as long as we give one hundred percent out on the pitch, that’s all you can do.
“There’s always pressure, you put pressure on yourself, Ben’s fantastic when he has come in, he’s been brilliant and the competition’s healthy.
"If you want to be successful you need that healthy competition, there’s no animosity between us, ultimately we want what’s best for the football club, so whoever plays we’ve got full support of each other.
“For me personally, it’s always been the case, wherever I’ve been, I’ve been fortunate to be behind some top goalkeepers, Dean Henderson, Aaron Ramsdale, Wojciech Szczęsny, which has been tough because they’re world class goalkeepers, but for me it’s all about the team.”