Stuart Parnaby has set his sights on repeating the outstanding cup success he experienced under Steve McClaren at Middlesbrough with his new club Birmingham.
Parnaby was part of the Boro squad which won the Carling Cup in 2004 and then two years later reached the final of the UEFA Cup and the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
He knows staying in the Premier League is Blues' priority this season and they served notice of their determination to achieve that with a hard-fought goalless draw at Liverpool on Saturday. But he is aware how cup glory can ignite a club's fortunes as Blues prepare for Wednesday's Carling Cup meeting with Blackburn at Ewood Park.
Parnaby, one of several players pushing for a recall against Mark Hughes' side, said: "Players look forward to the cup games and, for a club like Birmingham, it's a great chance to bring a bit of glory to the fans.
"At Middlesbrough we did all right in the cups. Winning the Carling Cup was great for the club and we also got to the UEFA Cup final, which was another fantastic experience.
"For the smaller clubs, it's a chance to sneak a trophy. We've got a decent side here at Birmingham so who knows what can happen?
"You've always got to be a bit wary and the early rounds can be a bit sticky. There is always a surprise or two but a couple of wins and you can suddenly find yourselves two or three games from Wembley. With a good draw you can find yourself in a quarter-final or semi-final and, once you are there, anything can happen.
"Big cup games are fantastic and, atmosphere-wise, unbelievable, compared to most league games. The league is the most important but I really enjoy playing in cups and the same goes for a lot of players.
"Over the next few years, it would be great if we could do something and bring a bit of success to the club."
The versatile Parnaby, who played five successive matches before being left out against Bolton 10 days ago, is keen to cement a regular spot at right-back where he faces stiff competition from the in-form Stephen Kelly.
But he is prepared to play anywhere to help out manager Steve Bruce.
"I have been moved around in a few positions and I knew that might happen when I came here," added Parnaby. "It is one of the reasons the manager signed me and I am comfortable in both full-back positions.
"I am just happy when I am playing. Any lad will tell you that as long as you are on the pitch, that is all that matters."
Bruce is likely to make several changes for the trip to Blackburn but one which is enforced is in midfield after on-loan Celta Vigo player Borja Oubina sustained anterior ligament damage against Liverpool.
"The injury will keep him out for the rest of the season. We don't want many of them that's for sure," said the manager.
"I think I am jinxed in the midfield positions. Look at the injuries we had in the past with people like David Dunn and Muzzy Izzet.
"I then chased two or three midfielders in the summer (Mathieu Flamini and Hossam Ghaly) without success.
"I didn't get one then but we got one right at the death of the transfer window in Oubina.
"I was delighted to get him with his experience and know-how. We will just have to battle on without him but it's a shame."
