by Mark Denham
Cardiff City skipper Mark Hudson stressed the importance of staying focused ahead of Saturday's winner takes all play-off final with Blackpool.
Huds, 28, was sure to point out the necessity of the squad treating the game as they would any 'normal' fixture. He said: "Obviously you are going to get a bit excited about playing in such a big game, but we're trying to keep our feet firmly on the ground and are just looking forward to getting out there and playing.
"We're feeling good and positive, are as relaxed as we can be, and had another good training session on Wednesday morning. We'll train as normal on Thursday and Friday and then travel to London Friday afternoon. We'll then get to the hotel and prepare for the game the next day."
In reference to City's opponents, Mark told Cardiff City Player: "If you're going to get promoted then you need to beat whoever's pitted against you.
"Blackpool are a very good side. I watched the semi-final and they played really well, but we know what they're all about and have watched the videos and we'll be fully focused, set up and ready to go Saturday.
"It would be amazing to get promoted to the Premier League with Cardiff City. It would be fantastic for this club to do that and especially for the fans. This club is ready and set up to play in the Premier League, and for me personally it'd be an amazing achievement. I've been in a losing side and winning side when it comes to play-off finals. Everybody knows what's at stake."
Hudson signed for the Bluebirds last summer from Charlton Athletic, after the Addicks had been relegated from the Championship at the end of the 2008/09 campaign.
"I'd much rather be in this situation than where I was this time last year," the Bluebirds skipper reflected.
"At the end of the season we took a bit of time to get over what had happened; it had been a tough year mentally. But it's helped me; it's not great to experience those kinds of things but it gives you something to springboard off of.
"I spoke to the gaffer earlier on in the summer last year and knew that this is where I wanted to be this season. I'm glad I made that decision.
"After last season, the lads who were here at this club then and still are know what disappointment feels like. It's what drives you forward though and it gives you the impetus to avenge your mistakes. Football gives you a second chance sometimes and this is what we've used to our advantage as a unit this year."
With history there to be made on Saturday, the defender knew what he had the chance of doing as captain of Cardiff City - potentially taking the club back to the top flight for the first time in nearly fifty years.
"Fingers crossed I can be that captain - that would be very nice indeed," Mark added.
"I'm just looking forward to the game now and having that chance."
