David O'Leary has called on his Leeds United side to roll up their sleeves and avoid becoming a giant-killing victim when they travel to Rushden and Diamonds in the FA Cup.

O'Leary has been bowled over with Rushden's behaviour and their hospitality, which was offered him during a scouting mission earlier this week.

"We know we are on a hiding to nothing. It will be a hard battle and we will have to be strong mentally. There will be no Fancy Dan stuff.

"It will be a question of rolling up our sleeves and competing hard for the whole 90 minutes, and with our injury and suspension problems they will be quietly fancying that they have drawn us at just the right time."

The tie also pits O'Leary up against two of his old Arsenal team-mates in Rushden coach Brian Talbot and Chris Whyte, who was also a member of United's championship-winning side in 1992.

For Talbot there can be no greater incentive than putting one over on his great friend, with O'Leary saying: "Brian was one of the best box-to-box midfielders I've seen.

"He was a great pro, a wonderful athlete who could run all day and a nice bloke as well.

"As the only player to win back-to-back FA Cup winners' medals with different teams (Ipswich and Arsenal in 1979 and 80), he has a special affection for the competition.

"It will be nice to see both of them after the game, but before that we are in for a very difficult match because Rushden are a big, quick side with a lot of professionals who have league experience."

O'Leary heads to Nene Park with only one recognised centre-back in Jonathon Woodgate as Lucas Radebe, Robert Molenaar and Martin Hiden are all injured, while David Wetherall faces a one-match ban.

Talbot, meanwhile, is also looking forward to the reunion.

"We've gone a little bit our separate ways since Arsenal but I think David and I are both enjoying what we are doing," he said.

"David's got a very hard job. I went to Leeds on Tuesday for the first time in a few years, the place is massive and he's got to win them the championship.

"Leeds have ambitions of winning the FA Cup. David is coming here with a very good side and we've got to do our best to make it difficult. Who knows what will happen on the day."

Diamonds, currently third in the Conference, have quickly become a glamour club of non-league football with a professional playing staff and facilities to turn plenty of league clubs green with envy.

In recent seasons, Clubs have come to Nene Park hoping to upset the odds against the big spenders backed by millionaire Chairman Max Griggs.

Now, the Conference Club is looking forward to playing the role of underdogs against O'Leary's international stars.

Talbot knows all too well how tricky it can be for a proud league club to take on a non-league outfit brimming with confidence and feeling no pressure.

He still bears giant-killing scars from his own time in league management when his West Brom team were beating 4-2 at the Hawthorns by Woking in January 1991.

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