Source: Official site

Tom Huddlestone says we'll come across one of the most passionate crowds around when we travel to Cardiff City in the FA Cup on Sunday.

The young midfielder stepped out twice at Ninian Park - the first was only the fifth game of his career in August 2003 - during his days with Derby County in the Championship, winning one, losing one.

Now it's a third round tie live on television as we kick-off at 4pm.

"Cardiff started the season very well and its a difficult place to go, it's a great crowd and they get right behind the team from the first minute," said Tom.

"The fans are very passionate about their football and it will be difficult but with our squad, we shouldn't fear anyone.

"We've done well in the cups this season, we're still in both the Carling Cup and UEFA Cup and that's very positive for us going into this game."

Tom was quick to point out that although he expects Cardiff to be well up for the battle, Dave Jones' men are more than happy to knock the ball around.

"They play a lot of good football and a few of their players stepped down from the Premiership to go there," he added. "That's maybe one of the reasons they've done well, they have that experience with the likes of McPhail, Campbell and Scimeca."

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Michael Dawson feels we've already overcome any mental issues that might have surfaced following last season's cup shocks against Grimsby Town and Leicester City.

For anyone who needs reminding, we suffered a 1-0 loss at Grimsby in the Carling Cup and then lost 3-2 having led 2-0 against Leicester at the Walkers Stadium.

However, with Carling Cup victories over MK Dons - a tricky third round trip - Port Vale and Southend United in the bag plus six out of six wins in the UEFA Cup, it would appear that last season's woes have been put behind us.

"That Leicester result hurt everyone," said Michael. "I've not really thought about it since but we're bound to be reminded now we're preparing for the FA Cup again.

"The Carling Cup defeat at Grimsby hurt us as well and we had the feeling we would come up against a similar tie this season and we would be tested in the same way. But we performed well at MK Dons and now we've progressed to the semi-finals.

"Cardiff will be a tough game. They started the season superbly and although they've had a dip of late, they will see this as a release from the league and a great game to get things kick-started again.

"They are a good team, especially at Ninian Park and they've experienced players in there.

"But it's about us, it's another cup game, we want to do well in the FA Cup and we're looking to go there and get a positive result."