Walsall midfielder Romaine Sawyers joined Football Express News to discuss Sunday’s JP Trophy final against Bristol City.
Approaching the the final now, how are you and your team’s preparations going for Sunday’s final at Wembley?
Everything is on course, we had the game in midweek, which we drew but performed very well. Our momentum going into the final is good, going off the back of a good result.
There is not too many injuries, everyone is fit and well. We are all excited and we can show that now, where as in previous weeks, we have not been able to due to league games. We can show our true emotion now.
Was it a weight off your shoulders to get the midweek game out of the way?
Of course, we are concentrating on the league but to have a cup final is a healthy distraction. It has been so many weeks since we got to the final, so we have had in the back of our heads. But now, we can think and prepare for the final.
First time in the club’s 127 year history that they have made it to Wembley, are you feeling more pressure because of that?
No, I think the everyone linked to the club is happy to be there and happy we got to the final. That is a massive achievement, if we go on to win the trophy, that will literally be through the roof.
At the moment, everyone is happy and just want a day out, but as a group, we need to believe that we can win. We don’t want a day out, we want to make it a success.
Does the gap between the semi-final and the final help or does it cause problems?
It can be a bit of both, if you play cup game after cup game, that can bring nerves. But we have had time to get back down to reality and now everyone wants to do their best for the club.
For you personally, how much would a victory mean on Sunday?
At 23 to play at Wembley, feels like a victory, but to lift the trophy would be breathtaking, it would be the biggest thing I have done in my career to date. Some people never get to play at Wembley and I have the opportunity, so to go and win their would be amazing.
What would it mean to score?
That is really incredible, to write your name in history, I think we have wrote our name in Walsall history alone. The gaffer has always said that in 10/15 years we will be remembered for the team that was first to get to Wembley. Imagine being the match winner or goalscorer, it would form as you as a club legend straight away.
In terms of Bristol City, how are you approaching the game?
We have played them already this season and we have performed well against the bigger teams in the league. We like the bigger teams shall we say, being the underdogs, we want to step out and show everyone what we are made of.
Does the underdog tag become a distraction or can you use that to your advantage?
We dont see ourselves as underdogs in our league, we can beat anyone in the league on our day. So I think if people want to write us off, that is fine, but we have a belief that we can do it.
On terms of final day, do you keep yourself to yourself or stay as a group?
Bit of both really, some people have individual things to do before the game, but we are a great team and the captain does well to rally us all as a team.
How much would the trophy mean to the whole club, players and fans?
It would be a massive achievement, we are not in the playoffs or near relegation, so to end the season with some silverware would be great.