When you joined you said it was because the club were on the start of an exciting journey. Sitting here ahead of an FA Cup semi-final did you expect this could have happened?
No, when I came here I was hoping to just get minutes and play regular football. Thankfully, I’ve had the backing of the manager and players and I’ve done that this season. The team has been on an exciting journey this season, we’ve developed well as a team. It’s a bit of a surprise to be in the semis but we’ve shown it’s possible with our work and dedication that it’s possible.
England debut, Crystal Palace captain, FA Cup semi-final, are you invincible?
Not at all, going back to the game last week it was a wake-up call. We’d been on such a good run but came back down to reality. It’s about understanding that every game is difficult and that’s our mindset going into this game. We’ve had a lot of success as a team, but we’re up against a good team so hopefully, we can have a good performance.
Is this fixture more special to you or is there more pressure on you?
I wouldn’t say so because I’ve played them twice this season already. I’m quite relaxed about the situation and I’m just looking forward to going out there with the team.
How is your relationship with Patrick Vieira?
Really good, he’s been vital to my development this season and the team’s progression. He’s implemented some fantastic ideas on and off the ball and everyone has really taken to him. His playing career speaks for itself.
What is your relationship like with Joachim Andersen?
He’s a good friend of mine, we spend a lot of time off the pitch as well as on it, we have built a really good understanding, it comes from hard work on the training field along with all the other defenders. I’m a young one so I try to look up to him in terms of what I can learn, as well as players like James Tomkins and Martin Kelly who give me advice.
How important will the crowd be on Sunday?
It’s very cliched but they’ve been the 12th man, they’ve been fantastic this season, without them I don’t think we would be where we are. Having them sell the tickets is fantastic and I can’t wait to have them there.
Do you feel like a senior professional even though you’re only 21?
I just feel like me. I’m humbled by the situation having been given the armband a few times this season. It’s a testament to the manager and all the players who have given me that confidence. I’m learning from so many senior players here.
We often say it’s a positive that this Palace team are filled with young players, is this the first time it might be a negative with less experience in there?
We’ve got a lot of experience, James McArthur, James Tomkins, Jordan Ayew, Wilfried Zaha – that’s just a few, we have quite a few experienced players. I know a few have come in and we are quite a young team but do have experience going into the game and we have real belief as well.
How gutted is Conor Gallagher to be missing out?
It’s hard for him, he wants to play in this game and he’s been a massive factor for us moving forward in this competition. But he’s been good throughout the week getting behind the team and supporting the lads. We’re disappointed not to have him but he’s been good for us.
Darryl Dike said you pocketed him. Have you ever seen something like that?
Never. My sister showed it to me on TikTok. It was humbling because he’s a very good player and a physical and strong player. It was really nice of him to say.
