This is Staffordshire --MARK Hughes says fans can dare to dream of Wembley glory as Stoke launch this year's assault on the FA Cup with today's third-round tie at home to Leicester (3pm).
And he's hoping his own success as a player in the world's oldest knockout competition will inspire his players to dream too.
Not that his current squad should require too much persuasion as seven of today's possible starters featured in Stoke's own Wembley adventure to the 2011 final.
"It's certainly not impossible," Hughes says of Stoke's cup ambitions. "If you look at the third-round draw, there's a number of Premier League teams who will go out because they are playing each other.
"If we can navigate the early rounds, you might find there's not that many Premier League teams left in.
"Or they might rise to the top and there will be a strong quarter-final as we found in the Capital One Cup."
Hughes played in five finals himself, winning four, and has no hesitation selecting his best memory.
"It's been a great competition for me and has been a big part of my career," he added.
"My first final was in 1985 and was viewed in a different light then.
"Now everyone wants to dilute the prestige of the competition, but I've always tried to give it the respect it deserves.
"I always remember before my first cup final I had a vision of going up the steps and seeing the trophy lifted to the crowd.
"But when it happened, I went up about ninth in line and was still going up the steps when all of a sudden the trophy went up and I missed it.
"I vowed that would never happen again. if you look at pictures of later cup finals you've got the captain, the goalkeeper and then me third in the line. Always.
"I don't mind as a manager. I'll bring up the rear or watch from the pitch. Let's hope I get that opportunity."
Hughes will be without keeper Thomas Sorensen (Achilles) and midfielder Stephen Ireland (hamstring) today, while defender Robert Huth hopes to return to full training next week ahead of a possible comeback game the week after at Crystal Palace.
Jack Butland will make his full Stoke debut in goal this afternoon and Austrian teenager Daniel Bachmann will be his back-up on the bench.
"He's a young player we've got a confidence in," said Hughes, "and he's been warming up the other goalkeepers prior to games.
"I have no qualms putting him on the bench."
But with Asmir Begovic also out injured with a broken finger, Hughes warned that he might have to sign another goalkeeper as short-term cover if Sorensen's injury persists.
STOKE'S fourth round FA Youth Cup tie takes place at Derby on Thursday, January 23 (7pm). Reported by This is 13 hours ago.