Planet Swans ArchivesThe on loan Swansea City goalkeeper delivered a man of the match performance on Saturday as the Swans created the shock of the 4th Round by dumping holders Portsmouth out of the FA Cup.
Dimi was on top form as he pulled off a string of saves to deny their Premiership opponents as part of an inspired performance.
The Swans though despite those saves were more than good value for their win but Dimi revealed that it was watching cup finals back home in Greece that inspired him in some of his goalkeeping traits.
He told the Western Mail “I used to watch the cup finals back in Greece, I was a Manchester United fan because of Peter Schmeichel, he was my hero.
“I’m a big lad like he was. And, while I wouldn’t say our styles are the same, I learnt that if you can spread yourself and be big, it always helps.
“I’m delighted with my performance. There’s nothing better for a goalkeeper than to keep a clean-sheet away to a side like Portsmouth.
“It must be up there as one of my best ever performances. Given the quality of opposition and the occasion, it has to be.
“These are the games you want to play in. Every player knows what the FA Cup means and I’m no different.
“It was a bit of a mad moment really,” he joked in response to almost gifting the home side a goal in the second half. “I slipped and it bounced over my head.
“I didn’t see the big man coming up behind me so I was trying to wind up the crowd a bit and take a casual touch.
“But then I slipped again and it was almost one of those Soccer AM moments.
“Every game you play you want to make your stand and show what you can do,” he added.
“Then you hope you will carry on in the team.
“It’s hard because you often have to wait to get your chance. But, when you do, it’s up to you to take it.
“I’d like to think I took my chance against Portsmouth. When you don’t concede and make a few good saves, I think you have done well enough to show you can be a first-team regular.
“I am here on loan until the 31st and then we will sit down and look at the situation.
“But obviously I want to play games and I don’t want to just be sitting on the bench.
“I’m quite happy with things at the moment. But I will have to sit down with the gaffer and see what he says.”
