Football icons Paul Merson and Matt Le Tissier trained with the U’s ahead of their David and Goliath clash against Arsenal.

The Sky Sports pair showed they could still turn it on in front of photographers and shared tips with Sutton United manager Paul Doswell.

Both pundits joined dozens of journalists and camera crews from national and international press during a busy day at Gander Green Lane on Thursday, February 16.

Mr Merson said Arsenal's players could be thrown by the club’s facilities and that the tie proved the FA Cup was still a special competition.

The former Gunner added: “Of course Sutton can win, they will have to go through stages of 10 minutes. The first 10 then another 10 and play that way, if they do that then who knows.

“This is what it’s all about for Sutton fans and with them behind the team it does become, well not a leveller because the gap between the teams is scary, but it does give them a little bit of an advantage. Well that, the pitch and the dressing rooms.

“If I’m being honest though, if it’s 0-0 with a minute to go I think they would rather draw the game. The owner would want a nice return leg at the Emirates. For the players and for the money that would be a great opportunity.

“If Sutton won this game it would be the biggest shock in the history of football.”

Follow the FA Cup fifth-round tie and more from 5pm on the Sutton Guardian website on Monday, February 20.

The match will be aired live on BBC One from 7.55pm the same day.