BRIGHTON keeper Mat Ryan claims the pressure will be squarely on quadruple-chasing Manchester City in their FA Cup semi-final next month.

Albion won through to the last four for the first time since 1983 with a penalty shoot-out win over Millwall.

But City will be seeking to keep alive their bid to become the first team to win the domestic treble and the Champions League title.

So Pep Guardiola’s side will be red-hot favourites against Brighton at Wembley. But Australia No.1 Ryan said: “Whenever you play a big team like City it is a bit of a free hit.

“The pressure and expectation will be on them to win. But quite often in sport the underdog can make a game of it, as we found out at Millwall and City discovered at Swansea.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to try to make a game of it and give ourselves the best possible chance of beating them.

“We are not shying away from the fact we are facing a tough task.

“But this is an opportunity to produce something special.”

Brighton beat Newcastle, Manchester City, Liverpool and Norwich on the way to their only FA Cup Final 36 years ago, which they lost in a replay against Manchester United.

The Seagulls were relegated the same year and have since dipped into the fourth tier and come close to liquidation, before returning to the top flight.

Ryan added: “I will be proud to represent Brighton at Wembley, when you consider where the club have come from in the past few years and the struggles they have had.

“It’s a special moment. And if we can follow the 1983 team by reaching the final, everyone connected with Brighton will cherish the moment.

“To be 2-0 down at Millwall with three minutes to play just makes us even more determined to get through against City.”

Ryan revealed he consoled his opposite number Dave Martin after the Lions keeper conceded a horrible injury-time equaliser.

“I told him one moment does not define your career,” he said. “It was a mistake and he knows he should have done better.”