Sporting Khalsa ready to do FA Cup battle

The build-up has been relentless and Rowe is finally ready for his side to do battle with the might of the fan-owned National League North club.

"I've got a squad of 21 and come tomorrow at 10 to two I'm going to have 10 gutted players and four who've not made the squad that're going to think that I'm lower than shark dump," the boss said. "I'm from the real world and I'm trying to treat people as I'd expect to be treated. I've got big shoulders and I'm ready to make those decision for the greater good, as they say.

"It's another trip into the unknown for us but this time they're two steps higher than what we've faced previously."

Despite the gap in divisions, status and following, Rowe insists it boils down to who wants it more on the day.

He said: "My team will have 22 arms and 22 legs – just like them. There have been bigger upsets in the FA Cup than Sporting Khalsa having a go at FC United.

"Let's not kid ourselves. We've got a massive mountain to climb but we're at home and we're unbeaten at home for 15 months. They'll come and have the small changing rooms and the pitch that they're not used to playing on. This is my Old Trafford.

"Everyone will keep their feet on the ground and give a good account of themselves.

"Come tomorrow, whatever happens – win, lose or draw – I'll be the proudest man about.

"We needed eight out of 10s against Spalding and I got that. Against FC United we need 10s off everybody. If we do get that then we'll compete. We hope that they'll turn up and look at the pitch and think 'we don't fancy this'."

The Aspray Arena side and Rowe have become the toast of a nation this season as the lowest-ranked club remaining in the Cup, and they are delighted with the limelight.

"The club deserve it," he said. "I wish a few more people would come on board and get behind us. Me and the owners just ask people to be honest and hard working.

"I'm 100 per cent committed to Sporting Khalsa. I'm conscious that I'm not everybody's cup of tea because I wear my heart on my sleeve and I kick and head every ball. The owners have done their research on me before I came. I'm not a bad boy, I can be passionate and that spills over but I'm a good boy.

"We're a marriage made in heaven."