Accrington manager John Doolan is looking forward to a potential catch-up with Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of his side's FA Cup clash with the Premier League giants. Admitting that it has been nearly two decades since he coached a six-year-old Alexander-Arnold during his time at Anfield's academy, Doolan fondly recalled the youngster's talent, even as a budding centre-forward.

"I looked after Trent when he was six and seven, which he probably won’t remember, but his mum, Diane, might, I spoke to her quite a lot," Doolan shared. "He was a centre-forward and you could see the ability he had then, scoring with both feet, could just glide past people. You could see he was an outstanding talent, even back then.

"When I moved on with my career, I ended up going back at some point and he was playing at centre-back, which I was surprised at. But he didn’t look out of place playing centre-back.

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"That’s why he’s now playing right-back and he’s developed unbelievably. He’s a world-class player."

Doolan is staying hopeful about reconnecting, saying: "It would be nice if he does remember but it would be nice to see Diane and catch up with her as well."

In the build-up to one of the most prophetic David versus Goliath matches in recent times, Accrington's boss shared insights on their unique preparations ahead of their clash with the Reds. Despite a gulf of 86 places between them and Liverpool, sitting 19th in League Two, Doolan maintains a realistic yet hopeful stance, even as he awaits Arne Slot's line-up decisions.

"We’ve been indoor and soccer domes, we’ve had spin and yoga classes, we’ve had the advice off our sports science person," divulged Doolan on their adjusted training routines, courtesy of snow-laden pitches. "We know the size of the task, we could have had the best facilities ever but you’re talking about playing Liverpool Football Club.

"But Liverpool might have an off-day and we might have an unbelievable day. We might have Lady Luck with us, you just never know, it’s the magic of the cup."

The Everton fan anticipates leading nearly 4,700 Stanley supporters to Anfield, eager to invoke his personal derby demons upon the Reds. Doolan, grinning, remarked: "The amount of times I’ve gone home on Saturday after a derby defeat. But it would be nice to get one over on them.

"I want everyone to enjoy the occasion. These are the things you have to remember when you go there – it might never, ever happen again for these players or for the club.

"You do have to go and enjoy it but we want to go there and give a good account of ourselves as a team. Ultimately we’re a professional club so we want to try and get ourselves in the next round of the hat."