Reading's Tabb Hopes To Go One Better

Reading are determined to go one step further than last year and progress to the FA Cup semi-finals by beating Man City on Sunday.

Royals enjoyed a fine cup run last year, making it to the last eight where they fell to a disappointing 4-2 defeat by Aston Villa.

Midfielder, Jay Tabb is currently ill and is a doubt for Sunday’s game, although if passed fit he is relishing the opportunity to play against the Premier Division’s richest team.

“It would mean the world to get to the semi-finals,” said Tabb.

“The FA cup is still a massive competition and means a lot to everyone.

“We should have got to the semis last year, so hopefully we’ll make up for it this season.”

“I can't wait. It will be an awesome experience playing at that stadium and against players of that quality.

“We have a genuine chance, though, and you have to enjoy games like this.”

Despite City being overwhelming favourites, Reading will take heart from their victory against Everton in the last round and last year’s shock 2-1 win at Anfield.

The Royals’ experiences are testament to the old saying that anything can happen in the FA Cup.

But, despite being one game from the semi-final appearance at Wembley and sitting just outside the Championship play-offs, Tabb insists no one is getting carried away.

“We have a chance, they’ll obviously be the favourites, but Liverpool were the favourites as were Everton and we managed to beat them,” added Tabb.

“I’m sure it’ll be a game that whets our appetite to play teams like that week in week out, just as the Everton game did.

“We’d all obviously love to get to the Premier League, but our focus is reaching the play-offs as we’re 10th at the moment.

“We just take each game as it comes.

“We have 11 games left and if we win seven or eight of them then we’ll be in the play-offs.

“It’s dangerous to look ahead to things like that, though, football can change very quickly.”

Tabb is yet to agree a new contract, despite his current deal expiring in June.