Source: Daily_Mail
Watch out Aston Villa, Reading's giant-killer Brian Howard loves to shock
Kop out: Howard sent Liverpool packing[LNB]If there is one man involved in this weekend's quarter-finals who understands that the grandest cup competition of them all still retains its capacity for sprinkling stardust on the fortunate few, it must be Reading midfielder Brian Howard. Two seasons ago, it made his name. [LNB]A glittering schoolboy career had stalled. Howard, nearly 25, was involved in a Championship relegation struggle at Barnsley. Enter the FA Cup. [LNB]The fifth-round draw sent the Tykes to Anfield to play Liverpool. As the game entered injury-time, level at 1-1, Howard strode forward and let fly in front of the Kop. The net bulged, his career was reborn and Barnsley had a piece of FA Cup folklore.[LNB] Chelsea were next, beaten 1-0 at Oakwell thanks to Kayode Odejayi's header and Barnsley emptied for a semi-final day out at Wembley. The fairytale ended there with a 1-0 defeat by fellow Championship side and eventual losing finalists Cardiff, yet memories had been forged that will last a lifetime. [LNB]Now Howard is at it again. He moved to Reading in August after 15 months at Sheffield United - to a Championship relegation struggle and freaky FA Cup parallels. [LNB]Reading won at Liverpool by the same 2-1 scoreline, albeit after extra-time. In the fifth round and the replay at West Brom in injury-time, Howard strode forward and scored once more - this time an equaliser. [LNB]Tomorrow he stands on the cusp of a third trip to Wembley in as many seasons when Aston Villa visit the Madejski Stadium, but it is the semi-final defeat two years ago which will act as the sharpest spur. [LNB] Last-gasp: Howard scores a dramatic injury-time equaliser at West Brom[LNB]Howard, now 27, said: 'What I remember about the semi-final was playing a through ball to Kayode Odejayi. We were 1-0 down but on top of the game at the time. I remember him going through on goal and shooting. He hit the side netting, but from the angle I had it looked as if it was in. [LNB]'I remember celebrating, then realising it hadn't gone in and falling to my knees. The feeling of such joy to such despair in a second, you can probably only get that in the FA Cup.[LNB] 'I want to make sure the lads at Reading know how close they are to getting to go play at Wembley.[LNB] 'If we can turn Villa over it will really hit the town. A Cup run doesn't just help the players, it really helps the town, picks up the place. The atmosphere last Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday was a buzz even before we scored, after what we had done in the midweek replay at West Bromwich Albion. [LNB]'A lot of people say the FA Cup is dying, but it's been brilliant for me.' [LNB] Cup heroes: Gylfi Sigurdsson (left), Brian Howard and Simon Church (right)[LNB]MEET THE ROYALS FAMILY ADAM FEDERICI[LNB]Goalkeeper, age 25, Australia.[LNB]Keeps looking at Aston Martins and Porsches because he thinks he's going to a Premier League club. Could be because he's a great shot stopper.[LNB]ANDY GRIFFIN[LNB]Right back, 31 tomorrow, England.[LNB]I room with him on away trips. Sense of humour so dry I never know whether to laugh or not. Has brought calmness to the team and been outstanding.[LNB]IVAR INGIMARSSON[LNB]Centre back, 32, Iceland.[LNB]Our captain, but the worst dresser. He always wears the free adidas running trainers we get every year with his best jeans. Great leader, though.[LNB]MATT MILLS[LNB]Centre back, 23, England.[LNB]Girlfriend Emma Rigby (right) is in Hollyoaks, so he's got the celebrity missus. I expect he's waiting for the call from OK magazine. So experienced at a young age.[LNB]RYAN BERTRAND[LNB]Left back, 20, England.[LNB]Gets his hair cut once a week after all the good press. Has a cool little mohawk now. England Under 21 already.[LNB]JAY TABB[LNB]Midfielder, 26, England.[LNB]Not your typical footballer. Went to a piano concert recently. Only footballer I know with a bit of culture. Great energy, never stops running and versatile.[LNB]BRIAN HOWARD[LNB]Midfielder, 27, England.[LNB]Best dresser at the club? I'd have to say myself. I like to mix it up. My best attribute is probably my knack of getting important goals from midfield.[LNB]GYLFI SIGURDSSON[LNB]Midfielder, 20, Iceland.[LNB]Used to share a house with Simon Church. They have their own houses now but are still like a married couple. Elegant player, great feet, class act.[LNB]JIMMY KEBE[LNB]Midfielder, 26, Mali (right)[LNB]Has a lot to say for himself but I don't know what it is as he only ever talks French. Can be frustrating because he has the ability to be world class.[LNB]SIMON CHURCH[LNB]Striker, 21, Wales.[LNB]Drives an Audi Q5. I thought they only brought that out for mothers and babies, so we know who the woman was in his relationship with Gylfi. Clever striker.[LNB]GRZEGORZ RASIAK[LNB]Striker, 31, Poland.[LNB]My partner in crime. We travel to training together every day. I know everything about Polish players and weather now. He's scored goals everywhere.[LNB]BRIAN McDERMOTT[LNB]Manager, 48, England.[LNB]Brought continuity and must have best record of any permanent manager. Can't believe he had hair once.[LNB] Reading v ASTON VILLA: Richard Dunne return gives Martin O'Neill full optionsChelsea should be scared of the new Crazy Gang, says former Wimbledon hero Alan CorkZulu warrior still fighting: Birmingham and Portsmouth legend Noel Blake relishes Fratton Park clashASTON VILLA FC
