South Wales Evening Post

Garry Monk admits his Swansea City team-mates are desperate to avoid becoming part of Roberto Martinez's cup rotation policy ahead of tonight's Welsh derby.

Martinez has opted to chop and change his team for the Carling Cup as Championship issues take priority in order to give some members of his squad a rest.

But with arch rivals Cardiff City arriving at the Liberty Stadium to renew hostilities for the first time in nine years, Monk is hoping he will not miss out on the first part of this season's derby trilogy.

The 29-year-old Swansea skipper missed the opening-round victory over Brentford but was back at the heart of defence when Premier League side Hull were dumped out in the next round.

Martinez has continued to keep everyone guessing with his selection and on this form Sherlock Holmes would have trouble working out the plan.

Now Monk, who has experienced the emotions of both Sheffield and South Coast derbies, is hoping to maintain his place and play a part in the hugely anticipated tie.

"All the boys are desperate to play. After the Burnley game on Saturday we came in the next day and the focus was on Cardiff," said Monk.

"The boys have tried putting it to the backs of their minds but when you go around town everyone is talking about it.

"After the draw nobody wanted to talk about the three matches before the Cardiff game.

"We understand how much it means to the city. You especially don't want to lose on your home turf to your biggest rivals.

"You can tell by the fans' reaction that it has been a long time coming.

"Of course, it's not the be all and end all as we have league priorities, but it means everything to the fans.

"The players are really looking forward to it and none of us wants to miss out on playing.

We all want to soak in the atmosphere and be a part of a special night."

With past experience of big derbies, Monk is no stranger to the thrills and spills of local rivalry.

This game has been given added value — not that it needed it — with the whole nation having the opportunity to share the experience of a red-hot Welsh derby courtesy of the Sky TV cameras rolling into the Liberty.

Monk, however, does not expect his team-mates — whoever gets the nod — to freeze on their big night.

"I have played in quite a few derbies but I've not tasted this one yet. I am really looking forward to it," he said.

"The biggest atmosphere I have experienced here so far was the Leeds game, but I expect it to be noisier tonight.

"The Sheffield derby is probably the biggest I have played in. That was a great experience.

"I played for Wednesday at Bramall Lane so I know what Cardiff will be going through tonight.

"I also played for Southampton against Portsmouth and that is a really big rivalry with a similar feel to this derby.

"It is a big, big occasion and one which a lot of us haven't experienced before.

"I don't think anyone will be fazed by the occasion. I try not to allow myself to get caught up in the hype — if I did I wouldn't be concentrating fully on the job in hand.

"It's probably for the best that you keep the preparations as normal as possible."

Aside from the priceless bragging rights, Swansea are also vying for a place in the fourth round of the competition which could attract a top Premier League club to the city.

Having experienced the heartache of missing out on a trip to Liverpool in the FA Cup last season, Monk and Co are keen to make up for that broken dream.

The defender — who played under Cardiff boss Jones at Southampton — will even step into the firing line if required in order to do so.

"For the supporters this is the game they want to win, but we also have to look at the other factors," said Monk. "If we can get through this round we have a good chance of drawing one of the big boys at home.

"We missed out on going to Anfield last season and that hurt us a lot. We were almost there but we fell just short.

"As a squad we want to test ourselves against the best and that means going on into the next round and bringing a top-tier side back to the Liberty.

"I'd even take a penalty in the shoot-out if required. I quite fancy myself taking one, but hopefully we can settle it in normal time."