FOR years it has been a source of torment, but tonight the League Cup could become a source of pride for Stoke City fans.

Our victory in the League Cup in 1972 is the only time we have won a major trophy.

But for most of the past decade or more, the league cup has been the chance for a host of lower league clubs to inflict some ritual humiliation on the Potters. Most of us expected more of the same this season.

Insead, if we can get past Paul Jewell's Derby at the Britannia, we will be in the last four of the competion for the first time since we beat Chelsea to lift the cup.

Tony Pulis has promised to bring out the big guns for this game and so he should.

Our success this season has not just been about those who have produced sterling performances in the Premier League.

It has also been about those who have failed to figure in the first team picture except in matches like this one.

League Cup success has kept confidence in the camp high even when we have had the odd poor league result.

It will be interesting to see if reduced ticket prices - I believe you can get in for about half the £29 I paid on Saturday - help to fill the ground.

Derby won't be pushovers, but reaching the last four could be just the morale boost we need ahead of that trip to St James' Park.

Do I dare to dream of Wembley yet?