Barnsley midfielder David Perkins would probably have laughed off the thought of playing in an FA Cup Quarter Final six years ago. The 30-year-old didn’t turn professional until his mid-twenties after plying his part-time trade with Morecambe.
“I watched the draw with all my mates and they were more excited than me,” smiled Perkins, speaking to Barnsley Player ahead of Saturday’s clash at Manchester City.
“I’ll look back on this as one of the highlights of my career.
“I was delighted with the draw, I had my mum and dad ringing me up and all my mates, I didn’t realise I was that popular!”
As the season wears on, Perkins looks increasingly likely to be involved in a close run-in for the Reds’ ‘Player of the Season’ award, but his biggest test of this season will surely be up against the midfield of the current Premier League champions.
“They could change their entire 11 and they’d still be world class,” said Perkins of City. “We’ve nothing to lose, it’ll be a good day out but we’re not just there to make the numbers up.
“We’ll take each half as it comes. The longer we can go without conceding we’ll have to build from there.”
Diminutive in stature but a big influence on Barnsley’s game, there’ll certainly be a contrast in size should the former Colchester man come up against Ivory Coast star Yaya Toure.
“He’s a big lad,” smiled Perkins. “Hopefully I can get about him and hopefully he might not fancy it on the day. I’ll try and not aggravate him too much but I’ll do my best against him.”
To see the full interview with Perks on Barnsley Player, click here.
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To see the full interview with Perks on Barnsley Player, click here.
Not a Player subscriber? Enjoy a two-week free trial to see what you're missing! Barnsley Player subscribers can listen to every first-team match, watch full match replays and all the pre and post-match interviews!