Tigers prepping for Challenge Cup Final Thursday

Rick Plant has admitted to “feeling nervous” ahead of Thursday’s British Challenge Cup final – but those nerves could help The Tigers to glory against Manchester Phoenix.

Telford lead Manchester 3-1 from last week’s first leg in Altrincham, as they look to add more silverware to the English Premier League title.

Ricky Plant

Plant, who grew up within the Telford junior system, returned to Shropshire last season after winning a string of titles with Guildford Flames.

Thursday’s encounter is the 38-year-old’s first cup final during his second spell in Shropshire – and he still feels nerves ahead of the big games.

He said: “Of course I’ll be feeling nervous. I am the oldest guy on the team, and I still get nervous. It’s not like a scared thing, but a nervous energy. You get excited and feel the butterlies in your stomach, so you want to be out there and get it started.

“It’s not like I’m sitting in the dressing room scared, but it’s more of a positive energy.

“Having a big crowd makes a massive difference to all the players and it really gets the blood pumping before a game. If we can get that again on Thursday, it would be brilliant.”

Plant’s return to Telford, in December 2013, marked a sea change in The Tigers’ fortunes, as they made a late charge for the end of season play-offs.

That campaign ultimately ended in failure against Guildford – but this time round, he is keen to help his side to it’s first-ever double of major honours.

He said: “Before I came back to Telford, I didn’t really see a way I would return. I was settled in the south with my family, but with Wayne coming in there were a lot of changes.

“It still feels kind of surreal to be here, on the back of winning the league with The Tigers. I got some stick from the lads when I kissed the badge on my shirt, but this is my home town club. I was a fan here before I became a player and it means a lot to me.”