Manager Tony Mowbray has challenged his West Bromwich Albion players to seize the moment as well as their opportunity in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final.

The Baggies face Portsmouth at Wembley hoping to reach their first final since they won the cup back in 1968.

"It's obviously more than just another game. It's a huge occasion for the football club," Mowbray told BBC WM.

"It's an opportunity we have to grasp. In any footballer's or coach's life this doesn't come along very often."

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"I don't think we've got anything to fear," he admitted.

"You can debate all day about the qualities of the Championship compared to the quality of the Premier League but the fact that none of the big four are left suggests that the underdog can win on any given day."

It is Albion's second visit to Wembley since the new stadium opened and they are hoping for a better result than the last one they had there - the defeat to Derby in the Championship Play-Off final last May.

But Mowbray thinks Saturday's occasion will have a different feel.

"The Play-Off final is the last one of a three-day weekend and the pitch is sometimes beaten-up a little when you get to play on it," he added.

"But for the cup semi-final the pitch will be in pristine condition."

Albion v Portsmouth in the FA Cup semi-final is live on BBC WM 95.6FM from 1100BST on Saturday.

(BBC)

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