Hero Heurelho Gomes happy for Costel Pantilimon to start FA Cup semi-final

(Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Nathan Joyes18 April 2016

Heurelho Gomes is more than content to watch on from the substitute’s bench when his side face Crystal Palace in Watford's FA semi-final.

The Brazilian's man of the match performance against West Brom saw him keep a clean sheet and save two Berahino penalties, as Watford climbed 11 points away from the relegation zone.

However, with Pantilimon featuring in every FA Cup round to date, head coach Quique Sanchez Flores is likely to keep the Romanian in goal.

Yet Gomes is happy to step aside for his 6 foot 8in teammate.

"It is up to the head coach to decide and I will be prepared to play," the 35-year-old said. "But if he chooses to go with Panti I will not be disappointed. He has played in more cup games."

Gomes and his fellow teammates showed their appreciation at the end of the game to their travelling support as Gomes fell to his knees in celebration.

"When the people like Watford gave me the support like they did, from the beginning, it's great for the player. I find my place and I feel loved over here."

In Pictures: West Brom vs Watford

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The Hornets took a vital step to securing another season in the Premier League, winning their sixth away league game of the season.

Watford face West Ham at home on Wednesday evening and Flores is expected to make a number of changes ahead of their trip to Wembley on Saturday.

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