Alan Hardy disappointed with FA Cup fifth-round draw at Sheffield Wednesday

Alan Hardy has expressed his disappointment with drawing Sheffield Wednesday away in the fifth round of the FA Cup but believes that Notts County could beat the Owls should they get past Swansea City.

The Magpies remained in the hat for Monday's last-16 draw after holding the Premier League Swans to a 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane for a replay at the Liberty Stadium.

The winner of the tie will go on to face Wednesday at Hillsborough and, despite hoping for an away tie against a Premier League giant, Hardy thinks the Yorkshire side could be a similar proposition to third-round opponents Brentford.

“We were hoping this was going to be the big one after Brentford and Swansea. We were hoping this one would be Man United or Spurs away,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.

“It’s not to be but it gives us a great opportunity to progress through the rounds if we can beat Swansea.

“We have got a chance to do that. We’ve shown we aren’t scared of them. I know the boys are up for the replay.

“Wednesday are an iconic club in their own right. It’s one of the great grounds in the country.

“It would be a great atmosphere. They’re well below Brentford in the Championship and we won there.

“There’s no reason we couldn’t do that again. The lads would love to go there.

“Sheffield is one of those great tribal football cities like Newcastle or Manchester.”

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