Leeds United's James Justin on bittersweet FA Cup memories and underdog inspiration

And the success of the Leicester City team which won the Cup without him in 2021 can act as an inspiration.

Justin played and scored for the Foxes en route to the final but an anterior cruciate ligament injury ended his season in February. Underdogs Leicester went on to beat Chelsea at Wembley.

"It was a bittersweet one to be honest," says the 28-year-old, finally due to face Chelsea at Wembley five years later in the semi-finals.

"I had played in a couple of rounds before and did well, but to be injured while my team-mates were out there, it was a bit of a bitter pill to swallow.

"At the end of the day it’s a team sport and I’ve still got a medal to show for it.

"It was a bad time in my career in terms of the injury so I was just happy they got it over the line. With Youri (Tielemans)’s screamer for the winning goal, you can see anything can happen so we are hoping to do the same.

"I’ve played in a few rounds this season and put some solid performances so hopefully I can get the chance to be out there in an FA Cup final, which would be a dream for me."

He is phlegmatic about his 2021 disappointment.

"I wouldn’t say it was a complete low because there were different things that happened in my career," reflected the versatile defender, one of Leeds' best players since breaking into the side in late November. "It’s been a bit up and down to be honest, but it was one of the lower points.

"But also I was happy for my team-mates. I was still part of the team, with them every day so I was happy to celebrate with them.

"I don’t know where the medal is, it’s somewhere at home.

"Everyone plays their part, whether you play in the third round or in the final. Everyone has a helping hand, so I’d played a part, but obviously not as much as I wanted to.

"Hopefully I can change that this time.

"Football is up and down all the time and when you get a little bit older like I am, you understand how it works. There’s going to be low moments, there’s going to be highs and never get too low, stay level-headed.

"Definitely it could be a career high this season. I feel like this has been a fresh start for me and my family. I’ve played a lot over the second half of this season and I’m really enjoying it, enjoying living in the city.

"Hopefully we can achieve our main goal, which is staying in the Premier League, and then see what happens in the Cup."

Although Chelsea are the world club champions, Leeds are confident.

"We're fully expecting to go there under pressure and we've got every chance of going through to the final, which is what we want to do," says Justin.

"We've had good results against some big sides this season (including beating Chelsea at Elland Road) so nothing's out of the question. We're going there with confidence after the last couple of wins.

"They're obviously a top side with top talent. Hopefully, we can figure out a gameplan to push on their weaknesses."

Unusually for a man with an FA Cup winners' medal and an England cap, Justin has not appeared at the spiritual home of English football.

"My England cap was away so I’ve never played at Wembley," he points out. "So it’s an exciting prospect if I get selected.

"Everyone hears about how big the pitch is, how grand it feels, so I’m excited to get the chance to play on it."