James Trafford admitted his return to Manchester City "hasn't been the best possible outcome" ahead of their FA Cup semi-final against Southampton.

Having come through the City academy, Trafford moved back to the Etihad from Burnley in July but has seen his playing time restricted.

After playing in City's first three league games of the season, Trafford fell down the pecking order following Gianluigi Donnarumma's transfer.

His appearances since then have come mostly in the EFL Cup, which City lifted in March, and the FA Cup, with Trafford making just 14 appearances in 2025-26.

The 23-year-old has kept 10 clean sheets during that run, though, and is expected to be back in goal at Wembley against Southampton.

Trafford had the option of a move to Newcastle United, but chose to sign for City, but he acknowledged it has not been the easiest season.

"It has obviously been very up and down throughout the season because I haven't played too much, and obviously I had a decision to make in the summer," Trafford told BBC Sport.

"Everyone always thinks when you make decisions [for] the best possible outcome, and obviously it hasn't been the best possible outcome, but I have just tried to either improve every day and just try and stay positive, try and stay happy.

"Because throughout the year it has been such a big learning experience, so the main thing I didn't want is for it to impact your general happiness and your general feeling.

"I have had to learn a lot throughout the year, and I have just tried to work as hard as I can and try to improve and win the day."

City have reached their eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final, a run stretching back to 2018-19.

They have won their last three to reach the final – no side has ever reached the FA Cup final in four seasons in a row.

And Trafford is relishing the chance to play in another match that could have a telling impact on City's season, with Pep Guardiola's side still harbouring hopes of winning a domestic treble.

"Everyone enjoys the bigger games, the tougher games, but I might be speaking differently if we got beaten in them," he added.

"The cup game you have to win, because if you don't win, then unless I get in [for] the league – which I haven't so far – then there is no game [for me].

"It's obviously a new experience for me because it is the first time I have had this kind of moment where you come in for the cup games, but the good thing about this club and this season is we have progressed in both the cups as far as we possibly could have so far."