FA Cup Preview: Shrewsbury Town v Stoke City

This time last year the goalkeeper was looking to get out of his contract at Gillingham – where he was completely unused – to sign a deal at National League Barrow, writes Lewis Cox.

The likeable shot-stopper, a giant in frame, gave the uber-professional answer when asked about tomorrow’s cup-tie with vulnerable Stoke, which looks every bit a recipe for a giant-killing.

“Just another game, isn’t it?” said the 29-year-old who saved a penalty in the last round against Scunthorpe.

“Another game where we go out there and perform. If we do it to our best we’ve got every chance of getting through.

“They’re only the league above so it’s not out of our aim, we’ve just got to turn up and give it everything. We’ll see what happens.”

But who was he kidding?

When prodded about the enormity of the clash compared to where he was just months ago, the keeper cracked.

“To be fair, if you told me this time last year when I signed for them that I’d be playing in League One at Sunderland at the Stadium of Light it would’ve been...I won’t say it!” laughed Arnold, who is desperate to reach a dream fourth-round date with his beloved Tottenham.

“It’s quite far away (from playing for Barrow). But I’m thriving – I love it. It’s a big opportunity for me.and I’m taking every game as it comes. I’m really enjoying it.

“It’s mentally so tiring. You’ve got to stay switched on the whole time but I am thriving.”

“I’m taking it each game and hoping I’m doing well and the boys are too.”

Visitors Stoke are struggling for form and a winless run of three matches has seen the pressure ramp up on boss Gary Rowett.

There is suggestion that even a victory over Shrews may not be enough, with Sam Allardyce and former Town man David Moyes in the running to replace him.

They may be down in 14th in the Championship after Premier League relegation but Stoke still arrive at Montgomery Waters Meadow as big-hitters, with talent throughout the squad – and it would be a real scalp for Salop.

Arnold, who has never been to the fourth round, added: “They’re a big club, don’t get me wrong, but we’re just seeing it as a team above. If we go 100mph like we have done then we’ll be fine.

“I think third round that’s it. I definitely haven’t been to the fourth round, it’s something I really want to it. Like I said before, I want Tottenham at the new stadium, this is big for me!”

Stoke have shifted 1,500 tickets for the 12.30pm kick-off, that is being broadcast in 15 nations.

Arnold wants the home crowd to match their rowdy visitors.

He said: “We want as many people through the gates as possible to get this place rocking.

“Once you hear the crowd here it does lift you up a different level. They’ve been great, especially at Sunderland up in the Gods, they may not think we can hear them but it does help.”

Town, who are without the suspended Fejiri Okenabirhie, hope to make the fourth round for just the fourth time in 23 seasons.

Going back further, Town have only made it beyond this stage four times since 1990 – each time facing big guns on their exit – Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Perhaps, if that trait continues, Arnold’s dream clash against Tottenham – the only club in the current 92 that Shrewsbury have not faced – could be on the cards.

PREDICTED SHREWSBURY XI

THE KEY MAN

Powerful frontman, Aaron Amadi-Holloway will need to bring his A game, particularly given the absence of his sidekick Fejiri Okenabirhie.

DANGERMAN

Tom Ince completed his move to the Potteries for a reported £10million in the summer and has been a bright spark for Gary Rowett's men amid a difficult campaign so far.

Son of Paul, the 26-year-old has netted six goals in 24 appearances this term and has been an exciting outlet when Stoke play well.

GARY ROWETT

"Shrewsbury will be desperate to win," he said.

"They will have a spring in their step and we know it could be difficult.

"It is one that we are relishing."

PREDICTION

Draw