Darby hopes for Wembley role

FOR a player still of relative youth, Stephen Darby has encountered some memorable moments in his fledgling career.

From two triumphant FA Youth Cup campaigns to his senior debut against Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon stadium the season before last, Darby also played in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup for Liverpool last season.

At just 21, the Academy graduate's scrapbook is already the envy of many professional footballers who can only dream of scaling such heights.

He will add another chapter today if, as expected, he steps out at Wembley for Swindon Town against Millwall in the League One play-off final.

Darby joined the Robins on a three month loan deal at the end of last season where his impressive form has seen him hold down a place in Danny Wilson's promotion chasing side.

It was his penalty that clinched Swindon's spot in this afternoon's showpiece; Darby displaying nerves of steel to slot the winning spot-kick in the semi-final shoot-out against Charlton.

"As I was walking up to take the penalty I was just trying to block everything out of my mind," Darby told the ECHO.

"I knew I had to focus on the penalty and nothing else. Thankfully for us I caught it right and it's gone in."

Darby admits his vital role at The Valley stands alongside his growing list of grand occasions.

"It's up there with the top games," he said.

"It's definitely one of the biggest moments in my career to date.

"I've been fortunate enough to make my senior debut for Liverpool. That was a massive night in my career.

"But I'd certainly say the semi-final with Charlton was up there with that."

Growing up as a Liverpool fan means stepping out for his boyhood club for the first time will take some beating.

But should Darby help Swindon claim the third and final place in the Championship today he says the winner takes all Wembley affair could give his Liverpool debut a run for its money.

"It's another massive game," he said.

"When you're a kid you dream of this, playing at Wembley with so much at stake.

"Although I've always been a Liverpool fan, Saturday will definitely be up there with making my Liverpool debut."

Promotion today would be the icing on the cake for Darby at the end of a successful loan spell that has earned him rave reviews at the Wiltshire club.

"From the first day I came to Swindon I've been welcomed by all the lads," he said.

"Up until now it's been nothing but a great experience. Hopefully it will stand me in good stead for the future.

"It's an exciting time for the fans, the players and the club. We've worked really hard all season but know we've got one more game to go. Hopefully we can get the right result at Wembley and seal a great season.

"We've shown throughout the season that we're a good side. We've got to Wembley on merit by playing some great stuff. We've just got to take that confidence and belief into the final."

Darby has figured in each of Swindon's 14 games since his loan spell began in March.

A right-back by trade, he ended the semi-final, second leg against Charlton at left-back following the dismissal of teammate Gordon Greer.

"The manager made some changes after the sending off and shifted me to the left," said Darby.

"I stayed on the left for the remainder of the game but have played most matches for Swindon at right-back.

"The idea of coming out on loan was to gain this kind of experience and play competitive games. It's gone really well."

Despite becoming a regular for the Robins, Darby says nobody is guaranteed a starting place at Wembley today.

In fact, stepping down a couple of divisions from a club of Liverpool's renown has meant he has had to prove his worth from day one at the County Ground.

"You've still got to prove yourself," he said.

"That applies to every game you play in. You have to prove to yourself, the manager and fans that you're worthy of your place in the team.

"We've got a good squad here so everyone has to work hard and fight for his place.

"There are always going to be other players waiting to take your place if you don't play well. This kind of competition means you put a certain amount of pressure on yourself to perform.

"We don't know yet who will be playing at Wembley. There are no guarantees. Everyone has been working really hard in training this week to try and get a shirt in the first XI."

Darby's progress hasn't gone unnoticed at Liverpool.

While he hopes the rest of the Swindon players can look ahead to life in the Championship after today, Darby's next target is to return to Melwood and fight for a place in Rafa Benitez's first team.

"Sammy Lee has been in touch a couple of times, just to see how it's been going and to say well done," said Darby.

"Hopefully the loan spell will stand me in good stead. It's been a great experience but I'm also looking forward to coming back and fighting for a place."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.