Rob Smith vows he will be up for the cup
AFC Telford chief Rob Smith insists the FA Cup remains a 'top priority' ahead of Saturday's second qualifying round trip to Kettering.
The recently-appointed New Bucks Head boss could be forgiven for resting key players this weekend given his team's precarious position at the foot of the National League North.
But he insists there is no chance of that happening.
He said: "The FA Cup is massively important. A run in the Cup can trigger good league performances so at the moment that is top of my priorities.
"The FA Cup has always been really important to me and it should be for any manager.
"I can't understand why anyone wouldn't want to do well in it for financial reasons and personal reasons. It is a massive competition and it is really important."
Telford have only tasted victory once in their 10 league games this season so a win in the Cup would provide a confidence boost for the beleaguered Bucks as well as earning them a useful £4,500.
Smith's selection options will be boosted this weekend by the return of on-loan Cheltenham Town defender Jack Deaman following a one-game ban.
But the team will be missing fellow stopper Graham Hutchinson, who has been refused permission to feature by parent club Halifax.
Hutchinson arrived in Shropshire on a one-month loan on September 9.
But Smith said: "Halifax haven't given him permission to play in the Cup. Having another centre-half back in the squad in Jack is helpful. He is certainly in contention for a starting place."
Smith is unlikely to have any new faces to call upon by Saturday.
He had last weekend said he was 'close to doing something with a pretty exciting player' but has since said: "That is not going to happen. I don't envisage anyone coming in for this weekend."
