Reece Cole has given his thoughts as City prepare to head to Charlton Athletic on Tuesday, whilst also reflecting on his journey from non-league to regular League One starter.
Cole has appeared in 13 matches in league and cup this season, scoring a late winner of Reading, which is some contrast to this time last year when he was playing seventh tier football with Hayes & Yeading United.
"It's crazy to be honest. Whenever I speak to my family about football, we always reflect on where I've come from and the difference between where I was and where I am now," Reece said.
"After the Luton win I said to Jon Pitts [Head of Performance] that I couldn't believe the journey I'd been on, to just beating a Premier League team and celebrating in front of the big Bank - there is no comparison to it.
"If someone had told me that that's what I'd be doing in a year's time, I'd say I didn't believe them. But I'm thankful to be here and so grateful to be here."
Attentions now turn to bouncing back from defeat to Northampton on Saturday, and Cole hopes the group can show a reaction to a disappointing weekend.
"We all know it needs to be better. We had the high of the cup in the week but we can't be that team that are up and down, so there needs to be a reaction from all of us," he said.
"Saturday-Tuesday is tough, but that's a part of being a footballer. We have to make sure we are always mentally and physically ready.
"We'll have a look at what Charlton do and we can do to get round them."
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