Armstrong has his eye on Cup clash at St James’ Park

FORMER Newcastle United reserve team striker Alun Armstrong is eyeing up an FA Cup third round reunion with the Magpies.

Blaydon-born Armstrong will take charge of a Darlington side containing former United youngsters Adam Campbell and Luke Charman when they face Skybet League One club Bristol Rovers this afternoon.

Armstrong was a regular feature of United’s second string sides in the early to mid-nineties before going on to forge a goal-laden career with the likes of Stockport County, Middlesbrough and Ipswich Town.

And as he finalises his preparations for his side’s attempts to pull off a shock win at the Memorial Stadium, he admitted that the thought of a visit to St James’ Park on third round day would be “the ultimate dream”.

He said: “It’s the first time I have been to the second round as a manager and I am really proud to have done that with this side.

“I look at it now, and there is such a big carrot dangling in front of us.

“The reward for getting through is massive and we all know what is beyond this tie.

“You imagine we could face the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United or Manchester City. But then you think of Newcastle, at St James Park, that would be the ultimate dream for many of us at the club. Obviously we have a few former Newcastle players like Luke (Charman) and Adam (Campbell), and it would be a dream for us to face them at St James Park in the next round.”

Armstrong conceded that the Quakers will have to overcome a sizable challenge before entertaining any real thoughts of a first third round appearance since 2003.

Despite being sat in the League One relegation zone, Bristol Rovers have been boosted by the arrival of new manager Paul Tisdale and the former Exeter City boss will be in the home dugout at the Memorial Ground for the first time.

Armstrong urged his players to “grasp the opportunity” that is in front of them as they look to produce a historic win over their higher-ranked opponents.

He said: “As a player, you want to give as much as you can to get there and I think the performance in the defeat against Bradford Park Avenue in midweek showed their minds are on Sunday. We can’t have any regrets from the game, we have to give everything and that’s all we can ask for from the players. Days like this don’t come along very often, so you have to grasp that opportunity when they do and make a name for yourself.”

Defender Michael Liddle (hamstring) and in-form winger Erico Sousa (cup-tied) are the only absentees for the game.