Fifteen years ago Ryan Leonard was in the Millennium Stadium crowd alongside Millwall fans as the Lions took on Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

Neil Harris’ side are two steps away from equalling that achievement on Sunday as they welcome Brighton to The Den, and in midfield, Leonard.

The 26-year-old re-called that unforgettable achievement as he hopes to create new memories for the current crop of Lions fans.

“It was a hell of an experience just to be at the game,” said Leonard.

“Did I know 15 years later I would be here? No, probably not, but yet it was a hell of an experience.

“I was probably ten or 11 years old and just to be at a cup final when you are a kid like that is an unbelievable experience.

“It was an unbelievable to be playing against a side like Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“I’m sure for the gaffer and the players it must have been an incredible achievement and incredible day out.

"And if we can get to one stage away from that, as players it would be like a cup final for us.

“Obviously to be paying in a quarter-final and trying to get to the next round is what you dream of as a kid.”

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