No domestic competition creates footballing icons quite like The FA Cup, according to MK Dons boss Karl Robinson.
The Dons, who overcame Halifax Town and Dover Athletic to reach the Third Round Proper, will have the chance to etch their name into the history books when they travel to holders Wigan Athletic at the weekend.
Robinson, who became the youngest manager in the Football League when he took the reins at the age of 29 almost four years ago, is a self-confessed fan of the world's oldest club cup competition and he has urged his players to seize their chance to secure immortality.
Wigan Athletic v MK Dons
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Third Round Proper
3pm, Saturday 4 January 2014
DW Stadium
He said: "When I was growing up as a kid, players became icons if they did something in the competition.
"That's something that I will tell my players. If they score key goals, it's something that could propel their career. It's something that fans will remember them for for years and years.
"For example, Jon Otsemobor is nicknamed 'Heel of God' after the goal he scored against AFC Wimbledon last year.
"We've had some wonderful times in the competition over recent years and it has made some of these players remembered for the things they have done. This year is no different."
MK Dons may compete in the tier below their Cup opponents but Robinson is confident his charges can ruffle a few feathers when they head to the north-west.
He added: "If we can go to Wigan and put a performance on like we know, then we'll be challenge for a very good side.
"There's potential for upsets in every match that is being played in the Third Round. For whatever reason, it always creates iconic stories.
"It has got a mystique about it that is unrivalled in cup competitions and that's the beauty of this competition.
"Fans realise that is has a uniqueness about it that other competitions struggle to create."
