WAYNNE PHILLIPS has experienced the magic of the cup and he would love to see Wrexham have a chance of claiming another major scalp in the famous competition.

Phillips was in the side that famously knocked out Arsenal in January 1992, and he scored as Wrexham held West Ham United 2-2 before losing in the replay.

There were more upsets in the 1990s as Wrexham accounted for top-flight sides Ipswich, West Ham and Middlesbrough, although giant-killing acts have become a thing of the past with the Reds only reaching the third round three times since 2000.

League Two side Newport stand between Wrexham and a potential money-spinning tie against one of the Premier League giants and Phillips hopes his former club can make more cup headlines.

"Good memories in the cup, disappointed we haven't had that for the last few years but it is an opportunity," said Phillips.

"There is a big game ahead, a difficult game ahead, but the aim is to get to that third round. "There is no better feeling as a player in the lower levels waiting for the draw, waiting for the names to come out of the hat and the nervousness around the place.

"I'm sure every single one of them will be similar to what I was on the day of the draw and you just hope that you can get through the tie against Newport and draw one of the big boys."

Wrexham have a fine history in the cup but Phillips insists the third round victory over Arsenal 26 years ago will go down as the biggest upset of all time.

"Arsenal is the game that sticks out in everybody's minds, it is probably the biggest FA Cup shock of all time for me," said Phillips.

"You look at the comparisons between the two sides, Wrexham were bottom of the league and Arsenal were league champions, full of England internationals.

"But there are other games as well. West Ham away for myself personally having scored there, my mum is a cockney and all her family are big West Ham fans.

"Going 1-0 up at Stoke not so long ago, there are some massive games and one I'm sure the club will look forward to if they can get past Newport."

Phillips believes long suffering supporters, hoping to see Wrexham end their Football League exile which dates back to 2008, deserve a glamour tie if they can overcome Newport.

"It is the biggest cup competition in the world for me and to have the memories I have of playing in it will never go away," said Phillips.

"Some fantastic games and I am glad to see that Wrexham are back in the second round with a chance of maybe getting to the third round and a big tie again.

"These fans are special. To turn up as they do in their numbers, 5,000 plus at The Racecourse every game and in numbers at every away game, they deserve a massive game in the third round.

"But take nothing away from Newport, I have seen enough of them this season to suggest it will be a tough game, a close game.

"It will come down to who performs best on the day but there is nothing to fear behind a massive Racecourse crowd and I am confident we can get through."