Mick rejects Cardiff semi venue plan

Mick McCarthy has given a thumbs-down to the notion of relocating the FA Cup semi finals to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

He gave his view as news emerged that Arsenal have asked the FA to consider both relocating their semi-final match against Manchester United to the Millennium Stadium AND bringing it forward by 24 hours to Saturday 3rd April.

Both Arsenal and Man Utd will have large travelling contingents, and the Cardiff venue - already earmarked for the final - holds 72,000 people, around 30,000 more than the proposed venue of Villa Park.

But Mick McCarthy said today that he doesn't agree with the idea of switching the venue.

"I don't see that there's any reason why we should be moved from Old Trafford to be quite honest.

"Four weeks ago (after the Cardiff league match), I didn't think I'd even want to be going back to Cardiff. Four weeks on, I can't wait, I'm desperate to go there now - but no, only for the final.

"If we get to the final, I'd be happy to travel down to Cardiff."

There IS a precedent - in 1993 the Arsenal v Tottenham semi-final was moved to Wembley Stadium and attracted a crowd of 76,263 - and the other last-four clash between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday was also moved to Wembley, attracting just over 75,000.

The FA has refused to comment further, but said it hopes to confirm the semi-final venues today.