Sheffield United's FA Cup hero Andy Liddell kept his nerve to score the winning penalty which sent the Blades through against West Ham at the weekend - so setting up a mouth-watering Fifth Round tie with Arsenal on Saturday. Givemefootball's Lawrie Madden caught up with United's match winner after Sunday's heart-stopping finale.
Q:AN EXCITING MATCH, WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO PLAY IN?
A:A bit of a tense finish. I didn't want it to go to penalties but Chris went in for a tackle and a penalty was given. I thought it would be back against the walls but West Ham didn't come at us as much as I thought they would. I think it was a good game and live on TV and a big prize at the end of it.
Q:WERE YOU NERVOUS BEFORE TAKING THE PENALTY?
A:None at all. Just as it was exciting to watch I loved being involved in it. I love taking penalties because you are favourite to score. I took a lot for Wigan and didn't miss any but I am not the chief penalty taker here. It was a bit of a gamble letting Andy Gray, our regular penalty taker, go first and me last but it worked. It was brilliant for me but I know it is the worst feeling if you lose.
Q:HOW WILL YOU TACKLE ARSENAL?
A:Luckily I don't have that problem. That's the manager's concern. We know it will be a hard task but we are confident of playing a good game. There's no pressure on us, we can go and relax and try and play our football. It'll be a great day for the fans and a big pay day for the club.
Q:DO YOU EXPECT THEM TO FIELD A WEAKENED SIDE, GIVEN THAT THEY HAVE THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE NEXT WEEK?
A:Even if they put out their reserve side they can field 11 Internationals. We know if they play as well as they can and we play as well as we can they will win. We need to go out at full pelt and try and unsettle them. If we don't we could be chasing the ball for 90 minutes.
Q:A GOOD TEST FOR YOUR LADS THOUGH?
A:A very good test for the likes of Jagielka, Tonge, Montgomery and Kenny. They are young players who will want to see if they can play at this level and have the chance to see at first hand what it is like. I played at this level briefly with Barnsley and it is a different level. It will be good to see if they can make this jump.
Q:AND WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?
A:It's fantastic. I thought my chances had gone. I was lucky to play at Highbury with Barnsley in the Premiership and we got hammered 5-0 and we were lucky! Arsenal have got even better players now.
Q:UNITED CONTINUE TO DELIVER IN THE CUP, HOW COME?
A:In recent seasons, Sheffield United have made a habit of going on cup runs. I love the cup. I have scored three goals already and really enjoy the competition. But we can't allow the cup to deflect away from the play-offs and our game away at Plymouth next Tuesday is more important. We need to go on a run and get into the play-offs but come Saturday at Arsenal I am not sure how many players will tell you that.
