Leam Richardson: Fulham FA Cup tie 'a healthy challenge' for Rotherham United
- Published
Rotherham have not progressed past the third round in 22 years
Rotherham head coach Leam Richardson believes if his side "play with expression" they will stand a chance against Premier League Fulham in the FA Cup third round on Friday (19:30 GMT).
Richardson was Wigan Athletic's assistant manager when they knocked out Manchester City in 2018.
No stranger to a cup upset, the Millers boss knows that famous night will be tough to replicate.
"We'll do well to trump that one," Richardson told BBC Radio Sheffield.
"We had to work hard on that night and it will be no different on Friday.
"If you put the work in and are diligent in yourself and what you do, be very mindful, play with expression and that belief in what you want to do around the football pitch, you'll always try and create that chance and opportunity."
After going on an 11-match winless run between October and December, Rotherham, who are bottom of the Championship, have seen an upturn in form and are unbeaten in their past three matches, including a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.
However, Richardson acknowledges the tough task in front of his side on Friday, but says the confidence his side could gain from a win is "no different" to a league victory.
"We are going to have to work very hard, it will be a healthy challenge, but first and foremost we have to give a good account of ourselves," he said.
"The players need to perform at the optimum levels and to go to Craven Cottage, or anywhere in the Premier League or the Championship, you have to be at the optimum level - Friday will be no different.
"The fixtures have not been great for us - bringing the game a day forward - but that is something we are going to have to deal with, overcome and adapt. We will do our best."
Rotherham have not progressed past the third round stage of the competition since the 2001-02 season, when they knocked out Southampton before losing to Crewe Alexandra in round four, whilst Fulham have managed that feat in each of the past four seasons.