Joe Ledley is currently flying high for the Bluebirds

By Peter Shuttleworth

Cardiff City will be hope rookie star Joe Ledley inspires his home-town club to a memorable FA Cup victory over Arsenal this Sunday.

But Bluebirds fans will be hoping history does not repeat itself with a 22-year-old gaining fourth-round cup glory - only to be snapped up by the highest top-flight bidder.

Turn back the clock to 1994 and recall Nathan Blake.

Like Ledley, Blake had just turned 22 when he inspired the downfall of a Premier League side in the fourth round of the FA Cup, scoring the goal to send Manchester City crashing out of the FA Cup 1-0 back.

It was a goal was the springboard for a Premier League career as within a month, Cardiff banked £300,000, then their record transfer received, as Blake moved to Sheffield United.

Now Ledley, already an established Welsh international, is the subject of much attention from Premier League managers.

When Joe faces Arsenal, the fact he has still not made it to the promised land will come home to roost as he'll be up against Aaron Ramsey, who was always behind him at Cardiff. Cardiff City idol Nathan Blake

Stoke City had a £6m offer for Ledley rejected by Cardiff in 2008 but the Championship club's resolve is expected to be tested again in the January transfer window with top-flight clubs in a queue.

As a seven-year-old, Ledley watched Blake secure his place in Cardiff immortality with the winner on that day against Manchester City - and now, 15 years on, Ledley wants to follow suit.

"That would make a childhood dream come true," Ledley told BBC Sport.

"The symmetry is incredible," acknowledged Blake.

"It's a big game in his career, he must not let the game pass him by. He needs to stamp his authority on the match, like he did in last year's FA Cup run to the final, and enjoy the occasion.

"He never knows, it could be his last act at Ninian or maybe the last FA Cup game at the old place.

"But no-one can deny him a move to the Premier League. He has proven he can play at the highest level, now it is up to him to go and do it on a regular basis.

Joe's commitment to Cardiff can't be questioned but he will feel like he has been a little bit left behind still down in the Championship Cardiff City idol Nathan Blake

"It's not about the money, it's about the glory. It's about fulfilling your desire as you don't want to finish you career with any regrets.

"At his age, Joe naturally wants to play at the highest level as he'll have the confidence to believe he can cut it in the Premier League. If he can't, he can drop back to the Championship."

Blake empathises with Ledley's situation.

"It is a big thing as playing for your childhood team Cardiff City is all you've ever wanted to do. But as you grow up, your desire drives you on to play at the highest level you can.

"That doesn't mean you love the club any less and you want the club to do well.

"But the reality is... if the club sell you there's not a lot you can do about it. Fans must understand that."

Ledley will face his fellow Ninian Park academy graduate Aaron Ramsey when Arsenal come to town in 18-year-old Ramsey's first return to Cardiff since his £5m summer move to the Emirates Stadium.

606: DEBATE Personally I would up Joe Ledley's valuation to around £8m even if nobody would pay as I think he is now vital to Cardiff City danbluefan

"When Joe faces Arsenal, the fact he has still not made it to the promised land will come home to roost," said Blake.

"As he'll be up against Ramsey, who was always behind him at Cardiff.

"Joe's commitment to Cardiff can't be questioned but he will feel like he has been a little bit left behind still down in the Championship especially with his old mates Chris Gunter and Gareth Bale are also in the top-flight with Tottenham Hotspur."

Everton, West Brom and Fulham are also said to be tracking Ledley but the 24-times capped Wales international expects to still be a Cardiff player for the big cup clash.

"You never know what is going to happen in football," Ledley said.

"It's not down to me, it's down to the club. But I'm still a Cardiff player so I'd have to say I'll be playing."

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