Back up goalkeeper David Cornell is glad to be involved in what could be a part of history

Cornell is almost certain to be sitting on the Swansea City bench tomorrow as they go in search of a place in the FA Cup quarter finals for the first time since 1964.

Cornell has been thrust into the near limelight following the failure to get Dimi's loan spell from Coventry extended and he is now the official back up to Dorus with Roberto insistent earlier in the week that he had no plans to bring a new goalkeeper into the fray.

And it is a remarkable transformation for Cornell who was previously rejected by the club but also used to be a season ticket holder at the Vetch Field.

Speaking to the Evening Post, the goalkeeper said "It's unbelievable to be involved

"I've always dreamed of playing for the Swans and hopefully I can be on the bench tomorrow.

"The FA Cup is a huge tournament and it would be unbelievable to run out with the team. Just seeing the FA Cup was brilliant, but to have photographs with it was unbelievable. I've even kept the cutting from the paper.

"I used to come down to the games when I was 14 and get autographs from Britts and Kris O'Leary.

"Roberto was captain when I was watching the Swans and I got his autograph too.

"I would always sit directly behind Dorus's goal at the Liberty. I'd watch him and see how he reacts to the game.

"I've only had around 11 sessions with the first team but I have learned a lot already," said Cornell, who attended the same school in Gowerton as John Hartson.

"Roberto always wants me to improve and he talks a lot to me about communication and how to control the tempo of the game.

"The tips Dorus and (goalkeeping coach) Inaki Bergara give me are so helpful. Dorus helps me with everything, like positioning and movement around the ball.

"I've learned so much off him over the last year, the same with Inaki.

"It is so difficult being a keeper but they make it look so easy.

"I was always hoping that I'd be involved with the first team at some point. We have had more experienced keepers here like Dimi and Artur (Krysiak) and now I have to be patient.

"I couldn't believe it when I read what Roberto said about me in the Post. Hearing the manager say that he feels I am ready to push for a place in the first-team squad really helped my confidence.

"Now I am looking forward to the game and experiencing the atmosphere.

"It will be amazing to walk out with the team in front of the Swans crowd at the Liberty. I know the crowd can be really loud, so to hear it from pitchside will be an awesome experience.

"I've spoken to Shaun (MacDonald) and Kris because they know how much it means to play football for the club. They are from Swansea and have always been Swans fans.

"It's amazing to be involved. Hopefully one day I will be playing in these types of games, but I have a lot to learn yet."

Photo: Action Images

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