It’s ladies first in the big derby
derby a month before the game took place. But I only found out in the same week of the game that I was going to play.
“My first match with City was at Middlesbrough in the FA Cup then I made my first home start in the Carling Cup a few weeks later.”
Boyata reached the FA Cup Final with City a year later but was left on the bench as Roberto Mancini’s side beat Stoke 1- 0 to lift the trophy.
Now he wants to play a bigger part and help the Hoops get their hands on the Scottish Cup.
He said: “I’ve played in a lot of big games. I’ve been in the final of the FA Cup and know exactly what to expect in big matches.
“I’m a different person and bo co big mo Pa mid Wan keep move
24-
admitted more mature now than when I was 19.
“You always want to play in front of as many fans as possible. You dream about winning cups and playing wel l in front of everyone. I’ve played in front of 70,000 and 80,000 people and it’s always a good experience.
“I haven’t had the chance to see Rangers much but I know they won their league so they will be with us next year.
“They are a big team here in Scot land so I know how hard the match will be and how tough an experience it will be to play in.
“A semi-final against Rangers is important. We all know what is ahead of us so we are going to prepare well for it.”
women will play first Hampden isn’t the only focus for the Old Firm this week as Rangers head to Celtic Park to face the Hoops in the SWPL1 on Wednesday.
It’s a big fixture whatever the league and Rangers boss Kevin Murphy insists the priority is to maintain a good start to their campaign and not be distracted by the build-up elsewhere.
Murphy said: “We want to continue to build on a positive start and although we know it will be a tough game against Celtic, we relish that.
“It may be cliched but this is just the same as any other game.
“It’s important we treat Celtic like any other opposition and the players don’t let emotions get the better of them.
“Having said that, it’s fantastic the two biggest clubs in Scotland have teams playing each other in the SWPL.
“The traditional rivalry has been highlighted more in recent years but if that brings an increased awareness of what both clubs are trying to do and showcases how they are promoting the women’s game then that’s a good thing and to be celebrated.”