Sorensen eyes cup glory

Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen is hoping the FA Cup will provide a dream ending to a frustrating season.

The Dane lost his place to Asmir Begovic in October and has had to make do with only a handful of appearances in the cup and at international level since then.

His latest chance is set to come in Sunday's semi-final clash with Bolton at Wembley, and he said of his time on the sidelines: "I could live with it if we get to the final and win the cup. It's a big goal to win something. I was probably about eight or nine when I saw my first FA Cup final on Danish television. There's a lot of things that make it special."

Sorensen grew up watching the likes of Jan Molby, Jesper Olsen and Peter Schmeichel thrive in English football, and he appreciates the doors opened up by the latter in particular.

Schmeichel's medal haul with Manchester United included three FA Cup titles, while his compatriot's 13 years with Sunderland, Aston Villa and Stoke have so far yielded only a First Division crown with the former in 1999.

Sorensen is hoping the gap will be narrowed slightly next month, and he is sure Schmeichel will be among those offering their support if Stoke do prevail at the weekend.

The 34-year-old said: "I had the pleasure of working with him (Schmeichel) for a couple of years and what he did for Danish football and for goalkeepers, a few of us have benefited from that.

"It would be nice to get one back on him as he's won so much. I'm good friends with his son and I have a good relationship with him, I talk to him when I link up with the national team and he is doing TV work.

"I'm sure I'll get a message from him if we get to the final. He's always been very supportive and helped me along the way."