Shrewsbury shot-stopper Ben Smith has spoken of the relief at emerging from his father’s shadows as he attempts to thwart red-hot favourites Arsenal tonight.

Smith began his career as a trainee at Newcastle where his dad Simon was goalkeeping coach.

After a brief spell at Stockport and four years at Doncaster, the 25-year-old is now firmly established as No 1 at the Greenhous Meadow.

And, as he prepares to try and provide a firm last line of defence against the Gunners tonight, Smith is delighted he has proved he can ‘go solo’.

“My dad is goalkeeping coach for the FA from under-21 level down but he was at Newcastle when I was there,” said Smith.

“That was tough because people always said I was only there because of my dad.

“It’s been nice to prove I can do it without him.

“He’s there if I need to speak to him, but we have got a really good goalkeeping coach here in Gavin Ward and that’s a massive bonus.”

Smith admitted an air of excitement has surrounded the Town squad over the last 24 hours as the build-up to kick-off reaches a crescendo.

“I’ve sat on the bench at Wembley, but to hopefully get to play in front of a huge crowd in a massive stadium is going to be fantastic,” he added.

“Everyone is really looking forward to it.

“We are sleeping in a hotel this afternoon preparing but I don’t think there will be much sleep going on.

“I think it will be a case of one eye shut and one eye open.

“The pressure is all on them. We are doing well at the minute and scoring lots of goals.

“We are conceding a few too many, but it would be great to keep a clean sheet tonight.

“There will be a big crowd and I’m sure the hairs on the back of the neck will stand up at some point.

“But we will be treating like every other game and going out to win. I think you have to do that whoever you play.”