Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers has urged his side to seize the opportunity against Reading at Wembley.
Swansea boss urges side to make most of opportunity
Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers has urged his side to seize the opportunity against Reading on Monday.
The Swans take on the Royals in the Championship play-off final against Reading at Wembley in a clash worth a reported £90million to the winners.
Rodgers does not have any injury concerns for the game - with skipper Garry Monk having overcome a slight stomach bug, although left-back Neil Taylor is suspended - and the Swansea boss has urged his side to take their chance.
He said: "Our preparation has been terrific.
"We're obviously very much looking forward to the game, the players have earned the right to get to the final and we're all excited about going there.
"We're obviously cautious as well - this is a game where you might only get one chance.
"I remember going to Wembley in 1995 with Reading (as a young coach), I remember walking out of the game when we lost to Bolton and lots of supporters were talking about the fantastic performance but 'next year could be our year'.
"It took 10 years after that - a decade later that they actually got promoted.
"So we're cautious in understanding that it's a big game and this is a great, great chance for us."
He added: "The great thing with these players is that they realise that themselves, of course I will point that out so that they understand that."
Tough task
Reading counterpart Brian McDermott was quick to admit his team face a tough task against Rodgers' side, although he insists his players know what to expect from the Welsh outfit.
"Any of the players are threats (on their day)," McDermott said.
"The two wide players (Nathan Dyer and Scott Sinclair) have got pace and (Fabio) Borini - the boy from Chelsea - is good.
"They are comfortable on the ball, they'll accept the ball. We know what they are and I am sure they will know what we are about."
The Royals head into the clash with an almost fully-fit side apart from key wide man Jimmy Kebe, who is struggling to overcome a thigh injury in time for the Wembley encounter.
"We're waiting on Jimmy Kebe as we have been for the past six weeks so we will have to see how he is," the Reading boss added.
"We will give him every opportunity to play and that is all we can do really.
"I don't know whether he is 50-50, who knows? We'll see if he trains on Saturday.
"He wasn't particularly close to match fitness against Cardiff (in the semi-finals) so we will have to wait and see."
Asked whether it could prove problematic, he continued: "We have got players who have come in and it has been quite seamless.
"Shaun Cummings came in and played on the right side and I thought he was excellent against Cardiff. Hal Robson-Kanu has played on the right side, no problem at all.
"We have got players who will come in and it'll be seamless, I'm sure."
