Doncaster Rovers: Grant McCann's FA Cup memories + plans for possible Chesterfield 'curveball'
"It's a competition I've loved dearly since I was a young boy."
For a split second during his pre-match press conference at the Eco-Power Stadium on Thursday, Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann was transported back to the streets of his beloved Belfast in the 1980s.
The Rovers chief was asked to relay his memories of the world's oldest cup competition, ahead of Rovers' impending second round clash with Chesterfield, and for him it all started with those kickabouts as a youngster at a time when the FA Cup was the pinnacle in football.
"I think back to being a young boy really, out on the street playing with my mates," said McCann. "I remember playing heads and volleys against a church gate on our street and we used to pop the ball every single day when we hit the top-corner because the spike would burst the ball! And we'd be knocking on parents' doors asking for another ball - that was constant!
"That was all to do with the FA Cup, watching it with your parents and family. I've had some good memories as a player and a manager in it. As a player I remember scoring against Edwin van der Sar for Cheltenham (against Fulham). I remember going to Villa Park with Peterborough and playing Man City but we've also had some good games at Doncaster in this competition. We lost to the winners of it (Crystal Palace) last year. It's a competition I'd love to take this club further in."
For Rovers to reach the prestigious third round, they have to overcome a Chesterfield side that will no doubt still be smarting from the midweek 5-1 loss in DN4 in the EFL Trophy.
Despite the morale boost that the huge victory gave his side, McCann is expecting an altogether different prospect from Paul Cook's side on Saturday night.
"It will be completely different to what we saw on Tuesday," said the 45-year-old. "I'm sure there'll be about seven or eight different players that will come into Paul's team. There may be a bit more experience with the likes of Kyle McFadzean and John Fleck but we've had them watched, as well as obviously having just played them. And so we're prepared for everything, even if he throws us a curveball. Ultimately we feel we're in good nick at this moment in time."
In terms of team news Rovers have a fully fit squad with McCann confirming that goalkeeper Ian Lawlor has returned to availability having had to miss the midweek meeting with the Spireites owing to a personal issue. Striker Toyosi Olusanya is also now back in full training after being laid low with an ankle injury for most of November.