Conor Hourihane targets magnificent seventh Wembley visit

Conor Hourihane is preparing for his seventh visit to Wembley, and is desperate to ensure he and Swansea City get to feel the joy of success at the home of English football.

The Swans head to Wembley to take on Brentford on Saturday in the Championship play-off final, looking to secure a return to the top-flight after a three-year absence.

Hourihane is no stranger to big occasions, having played in three play-off finals already in his career, winning two of them with Barnsley and Aston Villa.

He also featured in the Tykes’ EFL Trophy success there, as well as Villa’s Carabao Cup loss to Manchester City in 2020.

Add in playing for the Republic of Ireland against England earlier this season and the 30-year-old will have every reason to feel right at home on the showpiece occasion.

And, having taken in the highs and lows that a Wembley final has to offer, he is desperate to end his loan spell with a “life changing” success for the Swans.

“Without a doubt you have to cherish every single one of these occasions when you manage to get there,” said Hourihane.

“I have been very fortunate to play at Wembley quite a number of times and I am so excited to be going back there again.

“You never know when it is going to be your last time so you are always delighted to get there.

“This has been a fantastic time for me since I arrived at the club in January, my goal was to try and be a help to the lads and try and help to get the club promoted.

“We are one game away from that now, we are within touching distance and it is very exciting.

“Everyone has been so welcoming to me and helped me settle in so easily. There are really good people at this club, and it would be great to do it for them.

“It is amazing when you win these games, but I have experienced both sides of it. I have won there and I have lost there, and it’s either heartache or complete joy.

“Hopefully we have the side of it we all want, and all the happiness that comes with it.

“You are one game away from the promised land, it can change your life. There is a lot on the line but if you can get over the line it is an amazing feeling and a huge motivation.”