Jody Craddock says he is glad his former side Wolverhampton Wanderers managed to avoid a “potential banana skin” against Sheffield United in the third round of the FA Cup.
Two goals from Daniel Podence and one from Nelson Semedo saw Wolves to a 3-0 home victory over their Championship opposition in a performance that impressed Craddock.
Craddock, who made over 200 appearances for Wolves during a 10-year stint at the club, and helped the old gold to Premier League promotion in the 2008/09 campaign, spoke exclusively to ParkLife Sport about the game.
Asked what he made of the performance, Craddock replied: “It was good. A potential banana skin. We’ve seen what can happen in the FA Cup – I’m local to Kidderminster and it was a massive result for Kidderminster [against Reading].
“I know Sheffield United aren’t necessarily Kidderminster’s rank, but there could have been a slip-up because Sheffield United are a good, strong team. They came out and worked really, really well, and gave us a few scares at the start of the game.
JODY CRADDOCK
“But, credit to Wolves, they kept playing their game, weathered the storm a little bit, and came on strong and it was a really good result in the end. 3-0 is a great result.”
Podence, who joined Wolves for £16.9 million from Olympiacos in January 2020, grabbed the headlines with his first brace for the club, and continued his fine cup form having already scored twice in the League Cup this campaign.
He has started just five of Wolves’ 19 Premier League games this season, but his performance against Sheffield United has proved to Bruno Lage that he’s ready for more regular action, according to Craddock.
“It was a good performance [from Podence]. But, that’s the good thing about the FA Cup, it gives a chance to put the players in that haven’t necessarily been involved week-in, week-out in the league games.
“Good to see him play, and good to see him get a couple of goals in a real good performance. Credit to him. He keeps himself fit, works hard, and when he gets opportunities, he takes them.”
Wolves will now face Norwich in the fourth round of the cup in yet another home tie, which is something Craddock is looking forward to.
“It will be another tough game, a really tough game. You don’t know what team the manager is going to put out, if they’re going to go strong, or slightly weaker and rest a few players, and try a few different players and give them that opportunity.
“Another tough game, another game where Wolves will have to be at it, be 100%. But, there’s potential they [Wolves] could win that game and progress into the next round.
“A home tie is always a bonus. Purely because of the fact as a player you don’t have to go away and stay overnight. You have that comfort of being at home, that extra bit of time, and you’re at home with your home fans.
“It’s just common knowledge that you have that advantage if you play at home. So, hopefully that’s the little advantage that will help us get the result.”
The game is scheduled for the weekend of Friday 4 February to Monday 7 February 2022.
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