Right-back Cranie, who deputised for the injured Glen Johnson in last weekend's 0-0 draw at home to Bristol City in the FA Cup third round, said: "The gaffer has done well.

"He has got a lot on his shoulders but I think he has handled it well.

"I grew up as a centre-half and always wanted to be like Tony Adams. My older brother supported Arsenal so I followed him and went to watch them a few times.

"I did not expect to play last weekend but the gaffer called me in to his office and said I was going to start. It was a good experience.

"Hopefully I can keep my place against City because it is a big game for us. With the quality of players we have here we will climb the table no problem.

"City have got a lot of money but that does not get you everything. We have had a few bad results so we want to win on Saturday and push on from there."