James Milner hoping to deny Stoke City FA Cup revenge

Manchester City winger James Milner in action (Getty Images)

James Milner is out to repeat his FA Cup-winning experience - and that means denying Stoke revenge for their 2011 Wembley beating.

Manchester City head to the Potteries tomorrow lunchtime with memories still fresh of their victory over Tony Pulis' men two seasons ago, ending the Blues' 35-year wait for a trophy.

Now, with their Champions League quest at an end and not even the Europa League as a consolation prize, City can go all out for cup glory on the domestic front.

"I'm sure Stoke would like to get one over us for the 2011 final," Milner told http://www.mcfc.co.uk.

"But we'll be doing our best to give our supporters another day out at Wembley that's for certain."

Although there have been times when Milner's face did not appear to fit under Roberto Mancini, he has recently become one of City's most important figures.

That influence has increased since Yaya Toure departed on African Nations Cup duty, and is clearly welcomed by the City fans who have warmed to Milner's whole-hearted approach.

"I've always enjoyed playing for this club since the first day I joined," said the former Leeds and Newcastle man.

"I will always give 100 per cent whether I am having a good day or a bad one and that's something they clearly appreciate.

"The only thing that's been frustrating for me this season has been that I feel I've being playing well but there have been several interruptions due to injury and suspension."

"Hopefully that's all over with now."

Whilst that FA Cup final win, sealed with a single Toure goal, is an indication of City superiority over Stoke, the Blues have not won in the Potteries since 1999.

It underlines what a tough task City have this weekend, especially with Stoke eager to bounce back from their own difficulties.

"Our thinking is, if you want to win the FA Cup, you have to beat everyone anyway," said Milner.

"The fact we're taking more than 4,000 fans is really important because the Stoke supporters make a lot of noise.

"But our fans are brilliant and will give as good as they get when it comes to creating an atmosphere."

PA