Gera relishing Fulham's FA Cup replay
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Fulham midfielder Zoltan Gera has warned Tottenham he is relishing another chance to shine on the big stage after last week's heroics against Juventus.
Gera scored twice against Serie A giants Juve in the Europa League but considers the FA Cup quarter-final replay, with a place at Wembley at stake, just as important.
"This is a big occasion for the players, fans and the club," he said. "It will be an important night for us all, and hopefully I can play my part. I am pleased with my season so far, but there is always more that you can do.
"I have managed to score some important goals, and I would like to do so again. It's always nice to score, but of course, when it has a greater importance for the team that is great.
"But it's not just about one player, this is a team and we all have the same hopes for Wednesday - we all want to go through."
Getting to Wembley would be the latest chapter of success under Roy Hodgson, who has taken the club into Europe after being relegation candidates under Lawrie Sanchez.
"It has been a long while since Fulham last ran out at Wembley," Gera added. "So to be part of a team that achieves that for the club would be very special.
"And it's a special place to play, one of the best. I have been lucky enough to play there twice before, but I would love to go back and this time with Fulham."
Hodgson's men are looking to bounce back from defeat against Manchester City at the weekend. They will make a late check on Brede Hangeland, who missed the City game with a chest problem.
"The result on Sunday was disappointing, we all know that, especially after the game against Juventus," Gera said. "But we made it very difficult for ourselves because we just didn't start the game very well.
"But we have to forget about that game now, and we have the perfect match to bounce back in this week when we face Tottenham in the quarter-final of the FA Cup.
"We are facing a very good side, and one that has a lot of top players. We know this will be a difficult game, as the first one proved. There wasn't a lot between the two teams that afternoon, and I think it will probably be the same again.
"We have faced them three times already this season, so we know what they are all about. We're yet to beat them though, having drawn twice and lost one.
"So hopefully we can change that this week. It could be a matter of whichever team makes the most of the opportunities that they are given."
Chris Smalling's last trip to White Hart Lane came on the day it was confirmed he would join Manchester United next season.
"We'd love to reach the semi-final of the FA Cup, that really would make this season another one to remember," the youngster said. "We've had quite a few games lately but the focus now falls solely on Spurs. And it's one that we're relishing."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments