Hull City goalkeeper David Marshall keen to face hero Victor Valdes
Sunday 4 December 2016 11:33, UK
Hull goalkeeper David Marshall hopes to return to the starting line-up in the Monday Night Football clash at Middlesbrough so he can face one of his heroes.
Former Cardiff player Marshall made way for Eldin Jakupovic in the EFL Cup against Newcastle at the KCOM Stadium on Tuesday night and watched the Swiss keeper make two saves in a penalty shoot-out to help the Tigers reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time.
But Marshall is keen to return at the Riverside to face Middlesbrough's Valdes on Monday, who was the Scotland international's goalkeeping idol when the Spaniard played for Barcelona.
"He's outstanding," said Marshall. "I've played against him a few times going back over 10 years now.
"Back at that time he was an idol of mine. Growing up and playing against him after watching him play at the top team in the world at that time [well]."
Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka said it was a "privilege" to have been able to sign 34-year-old Valdes on a free transfer from Manchester United in the summer and Marshall is keen to face him on Monday.
"It's good to test yourself against top keepers, playing in this competition," added Marshall. "That's what you want to do."
As for the game itself, Marshall knows it could be an interesting encounter, with both sides struggling at the wrong end of the table, despite turning in some battling performances of late.
Middlesbrough lie one point above Hull in the table but have lost just one of their last five league games and the significance of a clash against one of the Tigers' closest rivals is not lost on Marshall.
"It's one of those that's a huge game for us. We have to go and put on a performance," he said.
"I think it was a disappointing away game at Sunderland when we lost against another team who you would expect to be down there.
"But Middlesbrough have been on a reasonable run of form. We've been a lot better at home recently, so we're looking to take that confidence into the game on Monday."
And does he expect to be given the nod to face Boro? "I hope so yes," he added.
"As I say, it can only benefit the club and help to push the goalkeepers on. I will be hoping to play on Monday, but it's the manager's decision."
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