David Worrall has admitted that keeping a composed head is essential for the Vale as they prepare for a really difficult task at Manchester City.
Worrall expressed how exciting the fixture is for everyone involved with Port Vale, stating how everyone deserves the experience, but confessed to being aware how much of a tall task awaits them at the Etihad.
Although the excitement is palpable, the midfielder emphasised how the game must be approached like any normal match, and not allow for the occasion to get the better of them.
Worrall, who is expected to start tomorrow is set to make his 100th appearance in a Port Vale shirt, and is delighted to have reached the achievement with the club and to do so against such a special opposition.
Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds that the Vale face, Worrall admitted that with the world of football there’s always belief that anything can happen
He said: “It’s going to be a great day, a great occasion for everyone involved, it’s a huge achievement for the football club, the fans and the players, so it’s a game that you’ve got to be excited for.
“You’ve got to go into it like any other game, but you’re playing against the world’s best players, depending if it’s their second string or third string, they’ve got world class players in every department so we know it’s going to be tough but it’s just going to be a great day and mentally you just have to try and get your head round that it’s just going to be a normal Saturday, it’s game day.
“It’s [making 100 Vale appearances] a great achievement, I couldn’t have asked for a [better] club like Port Vale to do it, and in this game.
“You’ve always got a chance, it’s 11v11 at the end of the day, anything can happen, if they have an off day and we’re at our best then you like to think we could be in the game, if they have a man sent off early doors or something there’s a bit more of a chance but we know it’s going to be tough, it’ll probably be the hardest game I’ve ever been involved in.”
The formidable task of taking on Manchester City at the Etihad is one Worrall is relishing, as he will have the chance to test himself against some of the best players in the world.
He also stated how he feels the game will be an excellent opportunity for young players such as Scott Burgess and Jake Taylor to experience a game against a side at the highest level in order to help build for what their futures may hold.
Worrall also expressed his gratitude to John Askey and the backroom staff for the level of faith they have placed in him on and off the field, including his recent coaching role in the Vale academy.
With Worrall’s contract set to expire in the summer he reinforced he feelings of how he is hopeful of extending his stay at Vale Park as he continues to love life at the club.
He said: “I wish I was younger to see how far I am off [the top level]… for the younger lads, your Jake Taylor’s and Scott Burgess, it’s a great test for them.
“They’ve [backroom staff] trusted me, they’ve given me a big role on and off the pitch, in the changing room as well that I’m enjoying so I’ve got a lot to thank to them, trusting me, their belief in me and getting the best out of me.
“I’d love to stay, I’ve made that clear, I want to stay, but I’ve got to keep playing the way I’m playing."