Interview by Barrie McAuliffe. Article by Mark Denham

Chris Burke spoke exclusively to Barrie McAuliffe at the Vale of Glamorgan this week about his first month in South Wales and the Bluebirds' prospects against Arsenal at the Emirates on Monday.

"Usually the games come thick and fast at this stage of the season, but with the weather being like it's been these past two weeks we've had a couple of games postponed which has been unfortunate" said the Scot. "Even one or two of the friendly games we'd arranged had to be cancelled but we're just looking forward to travelling to Arsenal for the game on Monday now".

Chris continued to say that despite the less than ideal month, preparations and training have continued as normal. The addition of Michael Chopra and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie in addition to Chris have arguably signalled the Manager and Chairman's ambitions for the season, something the midfielder sees as hugely positive.

"Hopefully 'Chops', Quincy and myself can play our way in to the team now and do all we can to ensure we get promoted come May" said Chris. "I think the Manager and Chairman did excellent in the transfer window".

Chris also enthused about the re-arranged fourth round replay against Arsenal coming up on Monday evening.

"Hopefully the snow has gone for good now so we can concentrate on our football and the task in hand! We really enjoyed the game with them at Ninian Park last month, these are the big games that you think about and aim to play in as a footballer; it's our intention to have these games on a regular basis next season at a higher level. I've played at the Emirates before and it's a fantastic ground to play at. If we play to our best we can beat Arsenal on Monday."

League endeavours have been hampered in recent weeks as well of course, with the game at Charlton last weekend also falling foul to the elements. Chris however, was philosophical about the situation.

"Obviously we would have liked to have played the game last weekend as it does mean we've got a bit of catching up to do" said the midfielder. "In fact, despite not playing, we did move up a place in the league as teams around us dropped points so we couldn't have asked for much better given the circumstances! We're still right in the hunt and hopefully we can push on with the games in hand".

"It's Wolves at Molineux following Arsenal which is going to be a big test. If we play to our capabilities though we are more than capable of winning the match as Wolves are a similar side to Birmingham against who we performed really well a few weeks back."

Overall, 'Burkey's' first few weeks at Ninian Park seem to have gone as he would have wished.

"The Lads have helped me settle in really quickly which is always half the battle at a new club" he enthused. "I knew one or two of the Scots boys of course which was a bonus. I'm thoroughly enjoying it at the moment here and long may it continue".

For the full interview with Chris as well as complete build-up to the game at Arsenal on Monday, be sure to download the latest podcast at the link below.