Planet Swans ArchivesThe Swansea City winger looks certain to start tomorrow as injury keeps out Ferrie Bodde, suspension does for Jordi Gomez and Leon Britton is classed as extremely doubtful for the first league clash between the South Wales rivals for over 10 years.
Butler, along with Mark Gower, is likely to provide the width for the Swans and hopefully with it the ammunition that will allow the players to grab the goals that could turn them into heroes instantly.
Or maybe it is Butler’s time to shine again just as he did in the FA Cup almost two years ago when another under strength Swansea side cruised past their Premiership opponents thanks to a double strike from Butler.
Speaking to today’s Western Mail, the Irishman said “It gives us a chance to show what the squad can do
“With Ferrie out, Jordi suspended and Leon out, well, they are probably three of our first-choice players, so it is a big test for the squad.
“It is a matter of seeing whether we can handle it. I have confidence in the squad. Some of the players on the fringes are fantastic in training and I believe when they are asked to step up they will do well.
“The last game, the crowd definitely had an effect on the players
“All you could hear was the whistles and the shouts. It was still ringing in our ears an hour afterwards. It was that noisy – and it does help.
“It does give you that extra bit of adrenalin you need and really does spur you on.
“All round last time we played well against Cardiff and a derby game is the time when you do want to play well.
“We know how much it means to the community, to the city of Swansea itself. It lifts the town and lets supporters have that bit of banter with their mates who support Cardiff.
“Everyone will be giving 100 per cent and gunning for a win.
“I’ve played for Sunderland against Newcastle and that is a fierce derby, but this one has a reputation. When I experienced it myself, I could not believe it.
“OK, Sunderland v Newcastle may be seen as bigger, but when it comes to noise the game against Cardiff was just immense.
“It is definitely as passionate as Newcastle v Sunderland, I would not have any doubt about that.
“None of the lads could believe the atmosphere. It was explosive, really.
“Cardiff have got some really good players and it will be a test for us
“There is always a player every year who people don’t know much about and who comes into a league and grabs people’s attention. That player this season is Ross McCormack.
“He seems to have that knack of being in the right place at the right time and scoring goals.
“We know if we have a lapse in concentration then he is the type of player who will pick up the ball and more than likely get a goal.
“They’ve also got Wayne Routledge now, he is very quick and you can tell he has played at the highest level.
“Michael Chopra is another one who has shown at this level that he can score goals.
“But we are full of confidence and we are looking forward to the game.”
