PHIL SENIOR today promised manager Peter Jackson and the fans he's all set for action against Chelsea's mega-bucks stars.
The bubbly 23-year-old keeper earned a surprise first start of the season against Gillingham four days ago when regular No1 Paul Rachubka was dropped to the bench.
Club-product Senior kept a clean sheet to do his chances of a Stamford Bridge call-up no harm whatsoever and, desperate for another chance, he is favourite to follow stand-in skipper Nathan Clarke down the tunnel on Saturday (3.00).
"I love a challenge and, if the gaffer picks me, I'll be over the moon," said Senior.
"Everyone wants to play at a Premiership ground and with it being Chelsea, the champions and League leaders, it's just that little bit extra- special as well.
"I don't think Chelsea will put out too much of a Reserve side against us but, even if they do, it will still be an unbelievable team I'm sure.
"That doesn't mean we won't be going there to have a real go at them, even though it's probably the biggest game that most of the lads will have played in.
"While I've always been a Town fan, I've always had a soft spot for Liverpool and it was great for me when they came to the stadium a few years ago, but this is a different kettle of fish and we are all looking forward to it.
"Everyone has seen Chelsea on the television this season and they're a great side, but it was nice to see Hernan Crespo missing a few chances the other day - I hope he carries on against us!"
Senior is hoping this latest chance will help him earn a new contract with his hometown club at the end of the season, especially if he can add a solid run of League appearances this month.
"I do have to prove to the gaffer again that I can do it," he said.
"Looking back over the games I've played I've done quite well and kept a decent few clean sheets, but the gaffer has chosen to go with the other keeper and that's up to him.
"I was really happy, though, when I found out the day before the Gillingham game that I'd be playing.
"I've been waiting a long time for a first-team game since Peterborough last season and, with there being no Reserve games over the holiday period, I was just dying to get back on a football field.
"With it being here at the Galpharm it just felt right, too, and I was doubly delighted to keep a clean sheet and help earn us a point.
"I pride myself on keeping sharp and working hard all the time. If you don't and you slack off, your game goes and you can't play well, even in the Reserves. You always want to play your best, whatever the game and, thankfully, Rabs is a great worker too, so we train well together."
So what can Town hope for in one of the most talked-about third-round ties in the country?
"I would love it if we could get a draw and bring them back here for all the fans who weren't able to get a ticket for the tie," he said.
"It would be a massive shock, but they happen in the FA Cup and we've got the players who can do it.
"People like Pawel Abbott or Danny Schofield are natural matchwinners, but we've got a few who could come up with a big of magic.
"We know we need to play well and I think it's sunk in this week exactly who we could be up against, but we're looking forward to it, everyone is."
