Bring it on!

JAMES Wesolowski is confident Athletic can cause an upset against Wolves in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday.

We beat Liverpool, so we can beat Wolves — Weso
ATHLETIC’S status as underdogs on Saturday isn’t of any concern to one of last year’s FA Cup heroes, James Wesolowski.

The midfield man from Sydney, one of only two survivors from the starting line-up which famously saw off Liverpool 3-2 in the fourth round of the competition last season, believes the unique atmosphere at Boundary Park can again play in Athletic’s favour.

Wolves arrive this weekend after beating Athletic 2-0 at Molineux only two weeks ago. Kenny Jackett’s side is odds-on to go through.

But Wesolowski offered a reminder that form doesn’t always work out.

“Last year we were the underdogs in quite a few games in the cup and we came out of the other side into the next round,” said the 25-year-old, who is in the middle of a good run of form.

“We beat Liverpool, so Wolves won’t put any fear into our minds. We will go out there knowing we can beat them, especially at home.

“We also know how good and enjoyable it is to have that cup run — for the players, the fans, and the club financially as well.

“It will be a tough game. They are probably one of the hardest teams we could have drawn.

“But we have played them before and we were actually the better team. We know we can match them.”

Wesolowski admitted to being hugely surprised when Manchester United and England legend Paul Scholes walked in to watch the video analysis session before training last Thursday.

“Paul Scholes is a legend,” Wesolowski added. “Especially for me and Korey Smith, Anton Rodgers and the other midfielders in the group, a lot of us were left speechless when he walked in. Just having him watch training gives you a boost.”

Athletic were expected to find out today if on-loan defender Joseph Mills, who is fit again after his hamstring injury, will be permitted to turn out in the Wolves tie by his parent club Burnley.