Monk: All The Boys Are Desperate To Play

For almost everyone on both sides this evening it will be their first taste of South Wales derby action and it is clear that the noises coming from both dressing rooms are one of a desire to be involved.

Monk is clearly hoping that he will get the chance to lead his side out against the one selected by his former manager and seems almost certain to play in the fixture.

For the winners a place in the fourth round of the Carling Cup but – some would say more importantly – the  South Wales bragging rights until November anyway.

Speaking in the Evening Post, the Swans skipper said “All the boys are desperate to play. After the Burnley game on Saturday we came in the next day and the focus was on Cardiff

“The boys have tried putting it to the backs of their minds but when you go around town everyone is talking about it.

“After the draw nobody wanted to talk about the three matches before the Cardiff game.

“We understand how much it means to the city. You especially don’t want to lose on your home turf to your biggest rivals.

“You can tell by the fans’ reaction that it has been a long time coming.

“Of course, it’s not the be all and end all as we have league priorities, but it means everything to the fans.

“The players are really looking forward to it and none of us wants to miss out on playing. We all want to soak in the atmosphere and be a part of a special night.

“I have played in quite a few derbies but I’ve not tasted this one yet. I am really looking forward to it,” he said.

“The biggest atmosphere I have experienced here so far was the Leeds game, but I expect it to be noisier tonight.

“The Sheffield derby is probably the biggest I have played in. That was a great experience.

“I played for Wednesday at Bramall Lane so I know what Cardiff will be going through tonight.

“I also played for Southampton against Portsmouth and that is a really big rivalry with a similar feel to this derby.

“It is a big, big occasion and one which a lot of us haven’t experienced before.

“I don’t think anyone will be fazed by the occasion. I try not to allow myself to get caught up in the hype — if I did I wouldn’t be concentrating fully on the job in hand.

“It’s probably for the best that you keep the preparations as normal as possible.

“For the supporters this is the game they want to win, but we also have to look at the other factors,” said Monk. “If we can get through this round we have a good chance of drawing one of the big boys at home.

“We missed out on going to Anfield last season and that hurt us a lot. We were almost there but we fell just short.

“As a squad we want to test ourselves against the best and that means going on into the next round and bringing a top-tier side back to the Liberty.

“I’d even take a penalty in the shoot-out if required. I quite fancy myself taking one, but hopefully we can settle it in normal time.”