Nathan Dyer is ready to become a cup hero for the second time in three weeks

It was a little over a fortnight ago that the Swansea City star scored the opening goal that set the Swans on the way to knocking cup holders Portsmouth out of the FA Cup.

And next week he will get the chance to repeat those heroics when Fulham arrive at the Liberty for the last 16 clash with a quarter final place awaiting the winners.

A large Liberty crowd is expected for the game as the Swans bid for a place that has eluded them for so long and Dyer believes that although the league is always priority this gives them a real chance to showcase themselves

Speaking to Wales on Sunday, Dyer said “This is a big game for us. We all know that promotion is key and we desperately want to get into the play-offs.

“But it’s the cup and everyone likes to have the platform that gives, to play in front of a big crowd and have the excitement that playing another Premiership side brings.

“We’re all looking forward to testing ourselves again because there are guys here with the ability to step up another level.

“We’re not a conventional side with a lot of 6ft 4in lads everywhere but the manager has brought in players with talent. And that’s what shows when we play because of the confidence Roberto has given us.

“We won’t be afraid to show that against Fulham. They’re a good Premiership side but it wouldn’t matter if were playing Manchester United or anyone else. We have the confidence to play our own game.

“The gaffer lets us go out and enjoy ourselves rather than putting us under pressure to perform and worry about things.

“I think that showed against Portsmouth and we know you can beat anyone if you put your mind to it.

“Football isn’t about the individual. It is a team here and we all play our part.

“But when you look around the team there are a lot of guys who might not have had chances to show what they can do earlier in their careers. But the gaffer is prepared to give those opportunities and he just tells you to go out and enjoy yourself.

“I’ve played under quite a few managers who want you to take more responsibility to track back or work harder defensively.

“But Roberto just tells me to make the full back worried about me rather than me worrying about him.

“He gives a licence to express yourself and not worry about mistakes. That freedom is fantastic and lifts the confidence in everyone.

“The way he has got us performing shows it’s working. It says everything about what a good manager he is.

“This is another opportunity. The Portsmouth result gave me a huge buzz and I can’t deny that,” he said.

“A lot has happened in the past with me off the field but I wouldn’t say that made the Pompey game any sweeter.

“What happened was separate to my football, which I don’t think could ever have been questioned.

“But it does show what can happen if you keep working hard. I want to be as good as I can be.

“I’ve seen lads like Theo Walcott and Gareth Bale make it and that shows to me that if I keep developing, improving and performing I’ll eventually get to show it in the Premier League.”

Photo: Action Images

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