Tranmere Rovers v Huddersfield Town: Town's Cup demolition gives away no clues to Tranmere

Parry, accompanied by chief scout Dave Philpotts, travelled across the Pennines to watch Town in action against Macclesfield Town in the FA Cup last weekend.

But such was the manner of Town's 6-0 victory that Parry admits it was almost a waste of time.

"It was difficult because Macclesfield won't have been happy with their performance," said Parry yesterday. "I am not sure how much we got out of watching the game because it was all a bit one-sided."

Parry, Tranmere's club physiotherapist before stepping up to become manager in the wake of John Barnes's departure 14 months ago, is desperate to win this competition after progressing courtesy of victories over Accrington Stanley, Stockport County and Bury.

"Up until now, most managers think it would be nice to go through but if you go out there's the positive that you have less games," he said.

"We have tons to win and if we do go out now I will be gutted personally because we are so close to doing something.

"It is not just a game versus Huddersfield Town, it's a game against Huddersfield Town to get within a home and an away leg of Wembley. I am excited about that.

"We wanted a home draw but any of the three teams (left in the competition) would have been a big game. And you can't under-estimate the confidence my side would get from beating a team like Huddersfield."

Tranmere could hand a debut to striker Lateef Elford-Alliyu following his arrival on loan from West Bromwich Albion but former Leeds United striker Enoch Showunmi is ruled out along with Marlon Broomes, Sam Morrow and Tim Cathalina.

Town enjoyed a bye into the second round and have beaten Peterborough United and Rotherham United to reach this stage.

On-loan Town striker Benik Afobe is unavailable tonight having been recalled by his parent club Arsenal to play in the FA Youth Cup but will be back for the weekend trip to Dagenham and Redbridge. Afobe's loan expires at that stage but Town are in talks over a possible extension of the deal.

Loan signings Joe Garner and winger Lee Croft return to the Town squad after being ineligible for the FA Cup last weekend. Gary Naysmith (foot), Tom Clarke (knee) and Lee Novak (hamstring) remain sidelined by injuries.

Tonight's game is subject to a pitch inspection at 9am.