Osman: We will take Stevenage seriously
Everton midfielder Leon Osman is excited about this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Stevenage and says it is a special competition. Over the years Everton have been on the wrong end of a number of “giant killings” and Osman has warned his team mates not to take anything for granted.
“That is what is so special about the FA Cup,” he said.
“People look for giant-killing in each round and I think people will be hoping for one in this round with us.
“We have to go there and be as professional as we usually are, take the game seriously and show our quality on the day.
“Over a number of years we’ve had a couple of ties that haven’t gone our way against teams we were expected to beat but we are hoping we can put a good cup run together, go to teams like Stevenage and come away victorious.”
Osman said how special he found the competition and how he used to enjoy watching the build up to the FA Cup final.
“I am sure a lot of fans out there think the same as I do, that it was the showpiece occasion of the football season,” he added.
“I used to watch the build-up on a cup final morning and be excited about the game.
“It shows if you can get to that cup final how important it is for players and fans and you know that starts with winning each round.”
Everton faced Stevenage in the second round of the Carling Cup earlier in the season and came away with a 2-1 win after extra-time.
“We have had a taste of what is to come. I am sure they will say the same,” said Osman.
“I think we have probably developed as a team since that first occasion.
“We have had a lot more time to gel since then and hopefully that will show in the game.”
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