Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell believes the romance of the FA Cup is still alive.
Defender happy with absence of 'big four'
Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell believes this season's FA Cup demonstrates that the romance of the world's oldest knock-out competition is still alive.
Campbell is set to captain Pompey against West Brom in the semi-finals of the cup at Wembley on Saturday.
With holders Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool having already been eliminated from this season's competition, this year will be the first time since 1991 that one of the 'big four' have not competed in the final of the Football Association's showpiece event.
And Campbell has welcomed the absence of the Premier League's top teams as Championship sides Cardiff and Barnsley prepare to contest the second semi-final.
Desire
"It is great to see romance is not dead," Campbell told
The Sun. "The greatest object of everyone's desire - the FA Cup - is continuing to capture everyone's heart.
"There is something about the FA Cup and no matter how many times you win it, it remains special in every player's life.
"Portsmouth, West Brom, Cardiff and Barnsley - that is why the romance is still there. This is the biggest club cup in the world and the big four are all out.
"The romance that a team can come from nowhere and get through is alive and kicking. It's fantastic. That's why we all love it so much."
Baros future
Meanwhile, striker Milan Baros has hinted he could make his loan move to Fratton Park permanent in the summer.
Baros has not scored for Pompey since joining on loan from Lyon in January, but the Czech Republic international is keeping his options open ahead of the end of the campaign.
"We'll see what happens but I'm enjoying it here and it's a possibility I might stay," said Baros.
