KARL Robinson admits the Emirates FA Cup has a hold on him unlike any other competition.

The Oxford United boss will be looking to avoid a giant-killing when he takes his side to Hayes & Yeading United in the first round on Sunday.

Robinson’s love affair with the Cup began as a child and it still burns brightly.

He said: “This is the greatest domestic cup competition in the world.

“I don’t care what anybody says, you could put that trophy in all corners of the world and everybody knows what this cup means.

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“My first real memory as a kid understanding what football was came in 1986 when Liverpool beat Everton in the final.

“I remember in 1989 with Hillsborough and going to the replay, then going to the final.

“This might sound really stupid but I can never take myself away from being a fan when I’m involved in the FA Cup.

“I can disconnect myself most of the time, but this cup is different.”

Robinson’s best run as a manager came seven seasons ago, when he took Milton Keynes Dons to the fifth round.

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But arguably the bigger headlines in his family came for his brother Craig, who scored the winner for Warrington Town five years ago yesterday to knock out Exeter City.

Robinson said: “He scored the winner on TV, so I know what this cup can do to people and how it can affect non-league clubs’ finances.

“It’s the first round of the FA Cup and there’s a smell in the air that I don’t think you get in any other game.

“We’ll certainly be looking forward to it, 100 per cent.”