Jim McNulty admits that the older he gets, the more he hopes for a draw against a Premier League giant in cup competitions.
The Dale defender was lucky enough to see his dream come true at the end of last month, when Dale were drawn away to Premier League side Manchester United in Round Three of the Carabao Cup.
He says that he can’t wait for the match at Old Trafford.
“You savour these moments and these games more because you realise that the opportunities are getting less and less," he said.
"There are only so many FA Cup and Carabao Cup draws that I’m going to avidly watch with my Daughter, hoping that I get Manchester United at Old Trafford or Liverpool at Anfield.
“The clock is essentially ticking on your career and you get more aware of that with time. To have these memories to cherish is amazing.
“We [the players] were all watching that draw live, in our own homes. We were all aware that the big teams were coming in.
“We, as a set of players, have a Whatsapp group, and some of things that were posted in there that night makes me laugh thinking about it. I can’t repeat all of it, but what I can assure supporters is that the players are beyond overjoyed to go to Old Trafford and play against Manchester United.”
Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Monday 9th September!