What they are saying ahead of City v Swans

Last updated : 04 April 2009 By Michael Morris

Michael Chopra

"I haven't been involved on a losing team in a derby yet - and I'm out to keep that record.

"I thought it might end against Bristol City, but Ross McCormack pulled that one out of the bag. Derby games are all special.

"We need to bounce back from the home defeat against Sheffield United and there is no better game in which to do that than against Swansea at Ninian Park."

Roger Johnson

"It will be a tasty match and we are looking forward to getting three points. It will be tough, but our pitch at Ninian Park isn't great right now and it may hamper Swansea a bit.

"Ninian Park is a compact ground and the atmosphere will be even bigger than it was at the Liberty Stadium. It will be even more intense and a win will keep us on course for a top-two finish."

Kevin McNaughton

"Cardiff v Swansea is a massive game and it compares with Rangers v Celtic in Scotland. I didn't know much about the fixture when I first came to South Wales in 2006, but after our two matches at the Liberty Stadium I know a lot more now.

"The atmosphere will be fantastic and Cardiff fans can play their part by really getting behind the team. Emotions will be running high, but right now every game we play is massive.

"We have to stay focused and remember we are after three points. Nothing more. Yes, it's a big match which means a lot to supporters, but there are still only three points on offer.

"We have to treat it as another game because we cannot let the occasion get the better of us. The tempo will be high and there may be ferocious tackles going in, but we have to concentrate on our own game and doing all we can to earn the points."

Leon Britten

"Everyone talks about Ninian Park having an intimidating atmosphere with the fans so close to the pitch. I suppose it's a bit similar to the Vetch.

"It might not the most beautiful ground, but it works for Cardiff, like the Vetch did for us, because opposition teams won't like going there. It's a unique situation because there aren't many grounds like it in the league anymore.

"We just have to rise above it, though. We know it's going to be quite intimidating and, with the fans close to the pitch, there will be a lot of noise and abuse.

"But we just have to make sure we keep our heads and try to focus on playing well. As soon as you start losing focus and wondering about the crowd, you lose the game.

"We can't afford to do that because it's important we pick up a win again whether it's against Cardiff or anyone else. The games are running out now so we need to get three points to push back towards the play-offs."

Alan Tate

"There's nothing I can do to change what went on in the past and, whatever happens, I wouldn't want to miss this game for anything. I really want to play Cardiff on their home turf.

"I always knew this was coming because of what happened at the Millennium. I'm sure the Cardiff fans have been waiting a long time for me to come to Ninian Park. They had their chance with Trunds when he came back with Bristol City and now it's my turn.

"Obviously it is a bit different with me because I am coming back with their biggest rivals so we'll have to see what comes of it.

"It's not just me though. There will be 10 other players getting stick as well so I won't feel too lonely out there."

Gary Monk

"The pressure is definitely all on Cardiff, as they are at home and there is nothing worse than losing a derby game on your own patch.

"As much as it's good to have the fans right behind you, the added pressure means you know you can't afford to lose - especially with such huge bragging rights on offer.

"They certainly won't want to be the team that lost the last derby at Ninian Park either. It's all added pressure which is good for us."