Darby: Bradford City should not look too far ahead (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Stephen Darby: Bradford City should not look too far ahead

7:30am Saturday 23rd February 2013 in Sport By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter

City’s only European campaigner has told them to forget the tantalising prospect of playing there next season.

The Bantams are potentially one win away from a place in the Europa League third qualifying round in August.

Stephen Darby played Champions’ League games against Fiorentina and PSV Eindhoven as a youngster with Liverpool. But the right back is not thinking of more matches on the continent yet.

Darby said: “The experience of Europe was brilliant and to play for Liverpool against such big clubs was incredible.

“But we can’t think too far ahead. We have a massive 90 minutes on Sunday so can’t be distracted by Europe or anything like that.”

Darby, who has played in a Wembley play-off final for Swindon, was City’s extra-time hero in the third-round win over Burton when they came from 2-0 down. His winning goal that night remains his only one for the club.

“It seems a long time since I scored against Burton but the way we stuck at it that night shows what we are about,” he said.

“This run has been a real team effort. We will keep going to the end because we have a great belief.

“I can’t really pick a favourite moment out. The entire cup run has been brilliant for everyone involved.

“It is a massive ask as Swansea are a great side – but nothing can be ruled out.”

Darby won back-to-back finals in the FA Youth Cup at Anfield, one of them as captain. But he admits those successes cannot come close to what could transpire tomorrow.

He said: “Winning the Youth Cup was nice but this is a massive achievement. It is going to be a great day for everyone involved with Bradford City.

“I went to Wembley in the play-offs with Swindon and there were about 50,000 there. But this will be something else.

“It’s a great occasion for the fans, who have been brilliant all season.”