Mansfield Town’s Tottenham loanees say it will be a great opportunity as they face Premier League leaders Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round.
Spurs academy players, George Abbott and Oliver Irow, face their North London rivals to try to replicate the cup triumphs of lower-tiered clubs against top-flight sides in recent years, on Saturday at the One Call Stadium.
The Gunners, who are also top of the UEFA Champions League table, are the favourites heading into the game, after a 4-0 thrashing of Wigan Athletic in the fourth round.
Abbott, who captained Spurs U21s to the Premier League Two title in 2024 alongside former England youth international Irow, hopes that their current experience can aid their chances on Saturday.
Irow said: “Me being a Spurs fan as well, I think it’ll be a great opportunity and a great stage to be on.
“We’ve both been there a very long time, so I think it’ll be something that we’re quite used to.”
Mansfield saw off fellow Premier League side Burnley in the previous round, securing a shock 2-1 win at Turf Moor.
As Mansfield look to continue their impressive cup run, Abbott said: “It would be a great feeling, especially against Arsenal who are top of the table.”
Irow added: “It’s a great opportunity to showcase what we can do and it gives us that platform to be able to do that.”
Mansfield can also rely on the experience of former Leeds United midfielder Tyler Roberts, who made 51 appearances in the top flight.
The former Wales international joined permanently from Birmingham City last month, after impressing during his initial loan stint.
Roberts, who has represented a total of ten EFL clubs, seems to be adjusting to life in the East Midlands quite well.
He said: “Yeah, I’m happy here at the moment. As soon as I came in, I felt the love from the fans, (I) knew a few players here and just settled in really quickly.
“I’m happy and enjoying playing football under the manager.”
Roberts spoke about what playing in the competition means to him, he said: “It’s a very traditional cup that means a lot to supporters and to get this far in the cup.
“The lads and the club’s done an amazing thing, but it’ll be a great occasion on Saturday to be out there and show what you’re about.”
Mansfield Town hope that they can rely on the mix of youth and experience as they look to produce one of the all-time cup shocks.
