NOLBERTO Solano is one foreign footballer you will not hear reminiscing about watching FA Cup finals on grainy television sets in his homeland.
A late convert to the world’s most famous domestic cup competition, the Peruvian is looking forward to a new experience this afternoon. More than anything, he is just happy to be spending Saturday on a football pitch.
The 36-year-old is set to return from a hamstring injury in today’s tie at home to Stevenage, for what will be his first appearance in the opening round.
With just four months between his FA Cup debut and his only final, Solano had a crash course in the trophy.
“It’s nice to play in the FA Cup and I didn’t realise until I moved to England how special the competition is for everyone,” he admitted.
“In Italy, Spain or Germany the competition isn’t as important. We didn’t see much of it on the TV in Peru.
“The competition is important for every footballer, in the top division or the lower division.
“It’s always special and this is the first time I’ve played in this round. It’s one to enjoy and hopefully we get a good result and make the next round.”
Solano was part of the Newcastle United side who were FA Cup runners-up for a second successive year in 1999. “I’ve good memories of the competition, always knocking on the door to get into the final,” he recalled.
“In my first year in England we played in the final against Man United and then made the semi-finals as well (against Chelsea at Wembley in 2000, when current boss Mick Wadsworth was Sir Bobby Robson’s assistant). It’s a great competition to play and the lads know that.
“We all know how the fans enjoy it and make the most of the competition.
“We would like to play a Premier League team or a Championship team later in the competition, but there is a long way to go and a difficult first game to come yet.
“Hopefully we can make the next round and get on TV – and make a better performance than last time we were on TV!”
The TV horror show was October’s 3-0 League One defeat at Notts County – Solano’s last game before succumbing to a second hamstring injury this season.
“I’m glad to be back,” he said. “There’s been frustration with being out the team for a few weeks, but I’m ready to push, ready to find the form again and bring it to the team.
“I was playing well when I got injured, it was annoying.
“The good thing is I’m fit. It’s a long season, there’s a lot of football still to come and I hope to be able to play.
“I was nearly ready last week but with my experience of a hamstring you always need to make sure you feel all right before you return.
“I don’t want to see the physios any more this season. It gets boring every day doing weights in the gym all the time.”
With five defeats in six October games, Pool need their talisman.
“Any team would miss a talented player and we’ve missed Nobby,” commented Wadsworth.
“At home we have been poor and we need to get back to being strong and confident,” said the Peruvian.
“The results haven’t been too good lately, we need to get back on form as a team and find the results. We need to get back to winning games again.”
Striker Colin Nish could return after reporting no ill-effects to his ankle from a reserve-team run-out.
Tickets have been slashed to £10 adults, £5 concessions.
