Victory would put the Blues into the last eight of the FA Cup and just two wins away from a Wembley final in May - something Toure reckons is definitely within the club’s grasp.
“I think we have a squad capable of winning trophies and we are desperate to win something this season,” said City’s captain. “It would be fantastic for us to get to the final of a major competition.
“When I was with Arsenal, the expectations were that we should win something every season and I believe it is the same here at City.
“Losing the semi-final in the circumstances we did was very hard to take for all of us. I missed the game because I was flying back to England at the time, but it hurt just as much.
It has made us determined not to feel like that again and perhaps that’s the reason the FA Cup has taken on even more importance
“I’ve been there and won this trophy and it’s a fantastic day for the players and supporters. I want more of the same with City! Stoke will be a tough game for us but we’re desperate to go all the way and will be giving it our all to do just that.”
Toure believes Patrick Vieira’s presence will help as City approach the ‘business end’ of the campaign. Ironically, Vieira’s last kick in the FA Cup was the winning penalty that beat Manchester United in the 2005 final.
He said: “It’s massive for us to have him here because of all the experience and maturity he brings with him to our club.
“When I first joined Arsenal I was like his little brother, and I’m really happy to have him alongside me at club level once again. Patrick, Adey and I are like a family and our families are very close, too - we are aiming to enjoy our time here in Manchester.
“Together, along with players like Carlos, Craig, Shaun and Shay, we bring our experience and a winning mentality to the team that will serve us well this season and in the future.”
