Korey Smith used to gaze enviously at the Etihad Stadium on his way to work and dream of what it might be like to play there.
On Tuesday night the Bristol City midfielder, whose goal knocked Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup, will get the chance to find out as his team take on Manchester City in first leg of the semi-finals.
The tie gives Lee Johnson’s men the chance to claim a fifth Premier League scalp in the competition this season.
And, for Smith, who played Sunday League parks football before launching his career with Norwich City, the journey to the stadium alone will be a reminder of how far he has come.
“I used to live just around the corner from the Etihad when I was with Oldham Athletic and drove past it a lot on my way to training,” the 26-year-old recalled.
“I did go in once to watch a Champions League game when Manchester City played Bayern Munich. It’s amazing to think I will now be out there taking on some of the biggest names in the game.”
It was City head coach Johnson who signed Smith for Oldham during his spell in charge there. When he moved to Ashton Gate in February 2016, the combative midfielder followed and was made captain.
“I owe the gaffer a lot. During my time with City my self-belief has soared,” said Smith. “I don’t think you can get a bigger boost to confidence than scoring the winner against Manchester United.
“That goal will live with me forever. It brought the city, the club and even families together and I’ll always be grateful for the outpouring of love towards me that followed.
“Now there is a chance for another hero to emerge in the semi-finals. We face an amazing team, with an amazing manager, but we firmly believe we can get a result that keeps the tie alive for the second leg.”
For Johnson, who outwitted Jose Mourinho in the quarter-finals, taking on Pep Guardiola will be another opportunity to demonstrate his credentials as a top young English coach.
He said: “To get moments with guys of this stature is huge as a learning experience. Jose was fantastic and I am sure Pep will be the same.
“Manchester City will one day be regarded among the best teams ever to have graced the pitches in England.
“But there was no fluke about our win over United and if we can keep our concentration over the two games, we will compete again.
“A lot of teams fear Manchester City and stand off them from the start. We are in credit with our fans after a fantastic run, so we can have a go.”