Neil Etheridge. INQUIRER FILE Photo
Filipino international player Neil Etheridge is relishing the opportunity to play against one of the world’s biggest clubs when Walsall clashes with reigning English Premier League champion Chelsea in the English League Cup on Wednesday (Thursday morning in Manila).
The 25-year-old Etheridge, who has 45 appearances for the national side, is expected to start for Walsall in the duel set at the League One side’s home pitch, Banks Stadium, in West Midlands in England.
The game takes extra significance for Etheridge having started his career as a part of Chelsea Academy in 2003 before moving to Fulham three years later.
“Personally it’s a massive game for me playing against Chelsea a club of mine many years ago and they are the champions of England which is another massive thing,” said Etheridge who saw action in the Azkals’ 1-5 loss to Uzbekistan last Sept. 8.
Walsall sits at second in the table of third tier League One. But the side reached the third round of the League Cup after stunning upset wins over Championship sides Nottingham Forest and Brighton and Hove Albion.
The League Cup is one of three major competitions in England but is relatively smaller in stature compared to the FA Cup where 758 teams are entered. Still, the League Cup involves the 20 Premier League teams as well as the 72 second to fourth division sides.
Etheridge earned the first choice keeper spot at Walsall after a string of impressive performances early in the season.
But Chelsea could be the biggest test yet in his club career since playing for Fulham in a Europa League game against Danish side Odense Boldklub in 2012.
“Chelsea is a massive game for myself and the club,” Etheridge said. “All the boys have been full focused on the league but now it’s time for us to concentrate on this big game ahead.”
Etheridge said the pressure will be on Chelsea with Walsall going into the game as heavy underdogs.
Chelsea boasts of world class players like Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas, Colombian striker Radamel Falcao, English defender John Terry, Brazilians Willian and Ramires and Belgian attacker Eden Hazard.
“I will give 100 percent Wednesday night and we will hope that the result goes our way,” Etheridge added.