Elsad Zverotić is hoping to make his name in The FA Cup this season, during his first campaign with Fulham.
The Montenegrin defender only arrived at Craven Cottage last September and is still feeling his way into English football as Rene Meulensteen’s side prepare for Tuesday’s tie with Norwich City.
But the 27-year-old is well aware of the importance of The Cup, having taken a keen interest in the English game as a youngster back in Montenegro.
Fulham v Norwich City
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Third Round Proper replay
7.45pm, Tuesday 14 January
Craven Cottage, Fulham FC
Winners receive £67,500
Live on BT Sport
“Growing up I was very familiar with English football, and The Cup is a big part of that,” explained Zverotić.
“There have been some special games over the years, and hopefully we can experience something similar.
“I know that the team got to The Final in 1975 so it would be nice to replicate that - but there’s a long way to go.”
Zverotić featured in the first game at Carrow Road ten days ago, where it finished 1-1 to set up a replay at Craven Cottage.
Highlights from the first tie at Carrow Road.
And with home advantage now in Fulham’s favour, the right-back is hopeful they can see off their Premier League rivals to set up a Fourth Round tie with Sheffield United later this month.
“At home, in front of our fans at Craven Cottage, we have a very good chance,” he added, in the official match programme for Tuesday’s game.
“It’s up to us now to make sure that we progress. I’d heard a lot about The FA Cup because it’s a very famous competition.
“Cup football is unpredictable, anything can happen.
“Who knows where Tuesday’s game will take us? It would be fantastic to go all the way.”
The former Young Boys player first sprang to fame in England when he scored for Montenegro against the Three Lions in a 2-2 draw in Podgorica back in 2011 during a Euro 2012 qualifier.
Zverotić scores against England in 2011.
And after moving to west London, he’s now hoping to use the experience to improve and develop his own game.
“Of course, the Premier League is a big step up from what I was used to, and I mean no disrespect to Swiss football when I say that,” he admitted.
“There’s always a period of adjustment, and I’m working very hard on being the best player that I can be.
“I want to develop further as a player, and I’m confident that I can do that at Fulham.”
