Bradford defender Curtis Good admits it would be a dream come true to be involved in Tuesday's Capital One Cup quarter-final against Premier League giants Arsenal.

The 19-year-old Australian, who joined the Bantams on loan from Newcastle last month, is poised to make his debut in the competition and says it would also mean a lot to everyone at home Down Under.

``It would be a dream come true because all my mates back home are Arsenal supporters,'' he told Press Association Sport.

``When I said I was coming to Bradford they knew we were playing Arsenal and were excited.

``Even if I'm only on the bench, just to be involved in the game at a packed stadium would be great.''

Good believes it is this calibre of fixture, and the drama generated from cup competitions, that is convincing more players to come over and have trials with English clubs.

``Will more Aussies come over here? Definitely,'' he added. ``The A League is good but you want to play at the highest level possible.

``When you're younger and more ambitious you want to come over here.''

The former Melbourne Heart youngster expects the Gunners to provide a different test to what he has already experienced at Valley Parade, having made his City debut against Brentford in the FA Cup.

``The first 20 minutes was a bit of a shock,'' Good said. ``There were a lot of long balls and it's a big step up from the reserves league.

``It's something you need to experience if you want to make the step up, there's only so much you can learn from playing against teenagers. This league is brilliant for that.''

Good is eligible to feature on Tuesday night but will have to force his way back into manager Phil Parkinson's plans having been left out of the squad that beat Torquay on Saturday.

Winger Kyel Reid (groin) and striker Zavon Hines (ankle) are making good progress but are unlikely to feature, while defender Luke Oliver (Achilles) is out for the rest of the season.

Meanwhile, Jernade Meade insists his fiercely competitive spirit makes up for his lack of height as he targets a third appearance in an Arsenal shirt.

The diminutive left-sided player, who stands only 5'3'' tall, will participate in the quarter-final tie at Bradford after making his debut in the same competition in October.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger views him as a fighter and the 20-year-old academy product agrees.

``That is definitely me. I am small, but I don't get pushed around - I don't give up. What I lack in height, I make up for in my drive and my fight,'' he told the club's programme.

``I feel I can do a job in this position. I'm fast and think I read the game well, although of course I can always improve.''

Meade made his first start in last week's 2-1 Champions League defeat by Olympiacos and will receive further exposure against League Two promotion hopefuls Bradford.

And with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the versatile Luton-born winger-cum-full-back is hoping to impress Wenger.

``I have mixed emotions because we lost to Olympiacos and that is disappointing, but it was a great feeling to make my first start - beyond words really. It was a big leap,'' he said.

``At Reading I came on for extra-time, but I would not have expected to play in the Champions League so soon.

``I grew in confidence as the match wore on and I can do better but hopefully I will get more chances.

``Hopefully the boss will have me in his thoughts for Bradford. I would love to do that, but it is all down to him.

``I need to get my name out there, get people watching me and maybe I can go out on loan soon as well to build up my experience.

``I have so much to improve on, but hopefully the boss sees something in me. This is the last year of my contract and hopefully I can earn another one.''

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud will miss the tie with a back injury.

Theo Walcott (calf), Laurent Koscielny (thigh) and Andre Santos (stomach muscle) are also sidelined.

Wenger will select a blend of youth and experience as he continues to use the competition to expose his second string to first-team action.


http://espnfc.com/en/preview/357329/preview.html?soccernet=true&cc=3888

This is the most realistic silverware we can get this season, so I hope we win this game easily. Start Arshavin on the left, Podolski as centre forward, Ox or Gnabry on the right. . . Rosiscky should start, too, to provide the creative spark! COYG!

Bradford go beat band on top arsenal head!

mcdaniel drumz: Bradford go beat band on top arsenal head!

This is sure

Arsenal sef dey hope to win trophy what happened to ur emirate cup U guys must be joker

Arsenal will take this cup to end the trophyless seasons they have been having. look at the dramatic return they had from 4 zero, that only shows the most have a trophy that will end the negative reputation against them. goooooooooooooooooooo gooners!

c'mon bradford !!!

Arsenal will win this for sure. Up Gunners.

And who is this CURTIS that has started heating things up already? If he is half as good as he thinks, Bradford should not be a place for him.
Don't forget he was not good even for the bench at a club like Newcastle. Time will tell bro....see ya at the turf!!!

With the likes of MAN U, MAN CITY, LIVERPOOL out of the way and only CHELSEA remaining as the only threat, i see my sweet ARSENAL winning this cup







GUNNERS TILL I SEE BABA GOD!!!

tunapawizzy:
Yea and scezney between d sticks to leak d goals

If you really watch the EPL --and not follow it with these N30 soccer papers -- you would know that Sczcesny is one of the best. Top 5, at least.

@ slap2, make we allow the game finish first before we go know whether that ur formation work.

^^abi? Ok na. . .but we're winning this one, surely.

ramsey dey start

sagna don pray legooo

game on!!!!!

i talk am ramsey haf started

i love the strong team AW fielded today

offside bradley

Very strong line-up, minus Ramsey, and I would have wanted Gervinho on d wings, with Podolski leading attack. . .

mehn bradley dey press us anyhow, they almost scored just now

Thanks, Sczcesny!

slap1: Very strong line-up, minus Ramsey, and I would have wanted Gervinho on d wings, with Podolski leading attack. . .

i wanted to ask wetin segzi blondie sagna do you

arsenal corner . .

nice try gervinho

Vermerlaen is just bloody useless....

gervinho just played selfish just now . .

nice nice header captain tv5

Gunners game to win

mukina2:
i wanted to ask wetin segzi blondie sagna do you

haha, typo!

per which kind play that na

TV5 is having it again today.

Bradford spending too much time in our half is making me uncomfy.

nice play . .poldi mistimed the header arghhh