Pepe Reina is unlikely to be involved when Liverpool begin on the FA Cup trail at Preston North End tomorrow, but he is keen to be there at the end.
In keeping with Rafael Benitez’s policy of giving his second-choice keeper playing time in the early rounds of the domestic cup competitions, Brazilian Diego Cavalieri is expected to line-up at Deepdale in tomorrow’s third round tie.
But Reina is hoping his team-mates can see off Alan Irvine’s Coca-Cola Championship side and keep his dream of playing at the New Wembley alive.
The Spanish shot-stopper, who is closing in on a century of clean sheets during his time at Anfield, was the hero the last time Benitez’s side lifted the FA Cup three years ago. Reina’s heroics in extra-time and in the penalty shoot-out enabled Liverpool to beat West Ham at the Millennium Stadium in 2006.
The 26-year-old is hoping Liverpool can go all the way again this time and give him the chance to recreate that day on May 30 at the new Wembley.
“I can’t wait to play at the new Wembley,” he said. “It is a great stadium and I want to play a final there as soon as possible. Let’s hope we can do it in this season’s FA Cup. It’s always difficult to go and face a lower division side on their own ground.
“We know it is difficult to play against them because they will be fighting with passion and honour.
“They want to beat us and produce a shock but we must match that and have the same mentality to win.
“Our target at the start of the season was to try and win any competition we are in and the FA Cup is one of them. I have good memories from it and it would be nice to win it again.”
While Reina would love to play at Preston tomorrow he understands Benitez’s rotation policy, adding: “I never want a rest. Obviously I want to be involved in every minute of every game, but I understand Diego Cavalieri deserves a chance as well. He has played in the League Cup and it is a good opportunity for him to show what he can do.
“He’s a great signing. He’s a young, good goalkeeper and works hard.
“He is a good team-mate and good back-up and in time he will fight for the number one spot.”
In keeping with Rafael Benitez’s policy of giving his second-choice keeper playing time in the early rounds of the domestic cup competitions, Brazilian Diego Cavalieri is expected to line-up at Deepdale in tomorrow’s third round tie.
But Reina is hoping his team-mates can see off Alan Irvine’s Coca-Cola Championship side and keep his dream of playing at the New Wembley alive.
The Spanish shot-stopper, who is closing in on a century of clean sheets during his time at Anfield, was the hero the last time Benitez’s side lifted the FA Cup three years ago. Reina’s heroics in extra-time and in the penalty shoot-out enabled Liverpool to beat West Ham at the Millennium Stadium in 2006.
The 26-year-old is hoping Liverpool can go all the way again this time and give him the chance to recreate that day on May 30 at the new Wembley.
“I can’t wait to play at the new Wembley,” he said. “It is a great stadium and I want to play a final there as soon as possible. Let’s hope we can do it in this season’s FA Cup. It’s always difficult to go and face a lower division side on their own ground.
“We know it is difficult to play against them because they will be fighting with passion and honour.
“They want to beat us and produce a shock but we must match that and have the same mentality to win.
“Our target at the start of the season was to try and win any competition we are in and the FA Cup is one of them. I have good memories from it and it would be nice to win it again.”
While Reina would love to play at Preston tomorrow he understands Benitez’s rotation policy, adding: “I never want a rest. Obviously I want to be involved in every minute of every game, but I understand Diego Cavalieri deserves a chance as well. He has played in the League Cup and it is a good opportunity for him to show what he can do.
“He’s a great signing. He’s a young, good goalkeeper and works hard.
“He is a good team-mate and good back-up and in time he will fight for the number one spot.”
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