QPR vs Watford: Jake Bidwell is dreaming of achieving ‘something really special’ in the FA Cup

QPR vs Watford: Jake Bidwell is dreaming of achieving ‘something really special’ in the FA Cup
Jake Bidwell believes a packed-out Loftus Road will give QPR the edge they need to pull of a FA Cup shock in Friday night’s fifth round clash against Watford, which is LIVE on talkSPORT.Rangers, who are competing at this stage of the competition for the first time in 22 years, entertain the Premier League side in front of a sold-out crowd in west London.4

Jake Bidwell wants to achieve “something special” in the FA Cup

And Bidwell, who has been a solid performer this season under Rs boss Steve McClaren, believes the Championship outfit are more than capable of pulling of an upset.Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, he said: “We’re hoping we can go out there and do something really special.“Im sure Watford will be thinking the exact same thing.“The way the draw has opened upyou just dont know how far you can go, because some of the big hitters have already been knocked out.When we are on it weve proved we’re a match for anyone, so if were at our best theres no reason why we cant pull off an upset.4

Bidwell, pink shirt in front row, celebrates QPR’s late leveller against Portsmouth in the last round

“We’ve got home advantage and that’s key. Loftus Road is an old fashioned ground, it’s a tight pitch and the crowd can get on top for us early on.“The fans can make it intimidating for away teams, so we’ll be looking to make that advantage count.”He continued: You can see how much of a boost it has given the fans especially.“They really want to make this cup run something to remember for years to come.You look at the number of fans who came to the Portsmouth replay compared to the third round last year (against MK Dons), and it speaks volumes.4

Bidwell scored the winner against Leeds in their third round clash

“We’ve given them belief and some much-needed enthusiasm in a competition where this football club have not been anywhere near good enough for too long.Its a great challenge for everyone. Weve got some young lads in our ranks who want to kick on and one day become Premier League players. This is the perfect test for them.”The former Brentford skipper, who has now surpassed his previous best finish in the competition, is a traditionalist and loves everything the FA Cup represents.Bidwell, 25, scored the winner for McClaren’s side in their third round victory over Premier League chasers Leeds in W12 last month – something he says he will look back on fondly for the rest of his life.4

Bidwell has fond memories of Michael Owen’s stunning double to win Liverpool the FA Cup in 2001

“It would mean a lot to me (to keep this cup run going). I have great memories watching the FA Cup as a kid,” he explains.“Michael Owen’s brilliant double (in 2001) against Arsenal stands out, and then there’s Steven Gerrard’s stunning last-gasp goal against West Ham (in 2006) – that was unbelievable.“I’ll savour my goal against Leeds forever. I’ve got a feeling we can go spring a surprise or two in this competition.”And then there’s McClaren. A League Cup winner with Middlesbrough in 2004, the former Manchester United assistant has made it clear to the Rangers squad he takes this competition very seriously. Things looked bleak for the former Derby boss after four straight defeats at the beginning of his reign, but there is a sense things have really improved as the season has gone on.While the Rs have lost their last five league games, they’ve been unfortunate to have come out on the wrong end of a couple of those.A cup scalp over the Hornets would give Bidwell and co the boost they need to maintain the unthinkable dream.

FA Cup LIVE on talkSPORT

FRIDAY 15TH FEBRUARY19:45 QPR v Watford –talkSPORTSATURDAY 16TH FEBRUARY12:30 Brighton v Derby –talkSPORT15:00 AFC Wimbledon v Millwall –talkSPORT17:30 Newport County v Manchester City – talkSPORTSUNDAY 17TH FEBRUARY13:00 Bristol City v Wolves – talkSPORT16:00 Doncaster Rovers v Crystal Palace – talkSPORT

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