Stevenage skipper Jon Ashton can’t wait to test himself against some of the Premier League’s best players on Saturday when they take on Everton in The FA Cup.
The 31-year-old could face the prospect of marking Toffees’ top scorer Romelu Lukaku during the Lamex Stadium tie.
And it’s something which he’s looking forward to as Stevenage look to recreate some of the memorable FA Cup victories they have picked up in recent years.
Stevenage v Everton
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Fourth Round Proper
5.30pm, Saturday 25 January
Lamex Stadium
Winners receive £90000
Live on BT Sport
“If he [Lukaku] does play, I’ll relish the challenge,” admitted Ashton.
“I’m sure he’s got many of the attributes that I play against every week in League One, but I’m sure he’s got other attributes that I won’t come up against in League One - it’s something to look forward to.
“This club has shown over recent years that we can hold our own against Premier League opposition.
“I was fortunate enough to play in the Newcastle game when we won 3-1 and I played in the Tottenham game when we drew.
“We fear no-one so we’ll go into the game with confidence and we know that on our day, we‘re a match for anyone.
“So we’ll prepare the best way we can and make sure that happens.”
Ashton tangles with Emmanuel Adebayor in their FA Cup tie with Spurs in 2012.
Ashton is no stranger in facing up to some of the country’s top talent, having first got a taste of the big time as a teenager with first club Leicester City.
And he made a memorable top flight debut for the Foxes against Everton and their legendary talisman Duncan Ferguson.
“I was only a youngster at the time, just 18, and I remember him being a lot taller than me and his reputation for being a bit of a hard man,” he explained.
“I didn’t fear him, but that was over ten years ago and I’ve matured a lot since then.
“So hopefully the roles have been reversed now and I can put the fear into whoever I play against.”
With Stevenage boss Graham Westley hoping that home advantage can give his side an edge over their Premier League opponents, Ashton shares his manager's faith.
Highlights of Stevenage's win at Doncaster in the Third Round.
And despite their current position at the foot of League One, the former Oxford United and Rushden & Diamonds defender is keen to have an FA Cup distraction to help boost their fight against relegation.
“Everyone knows what The FA Cup is all about,” he added. “From a player’s point of view, it’s a dream to play in it given the history of the competition.
“It’s a break from League action and with The FA Cup, the end goal is to get to Wembley so it’s possible and there’s no reason why we can’t get there.
“We all dream of playing there so we go into the game thinking we just want to win.”
