King’s Lynn skipper prepares for Scunthorpe United return in FA Cup clash

King’s Lynn Town captain Michael Clunan says he will take the emotion out of it when he returns to his former club in the FA Cup tomorrow.

Clunan will lead his side out in the Fourth Qualifying Round tie at Scunthorpe United tomorrow - the scene where he enjoyed one of the proudest moments of his career last season.

The Iron are flying high in the National League since the midfielder guided them to promotion at the Attis Arena just a few months ago.

Clunan admitted he was stunned when the draw came out.

“Shock was my first thought,” he said.

“I was actually driving when my missus said, ‘You’re not going to believe this, but you’ve drawn Scunthorpe.’ I thought she was winding me up.”

The 31-year-old lifted the National League North trophy with Scunthorpe in May before rejoining his hometown club in the summer.

He expects an emotional return, but insists sentiment won’t get in the way of business.

“I think I’m going to try and take the emotion out of it,” he said.

“I’m King’s Lynn Town skipper now, and it’s my job to lead the boys out and try to win the game for Lynn.

"It will be emotional, though, there are a lot of people there I’ve not seen since that day we got promoted.

“It’ll be nice to see those people and some of the fans, but ultimately my focus is on our job.”

Scunthorpe have only lost once this season and sit fourth in the National League standings, but Clunan believes Lynn can compete with anyone on their day.

“They’re in great form, but our performances have shown we can compete,” he said.

“It’ll be a tough game, one we’ll relish, and hopefully we can come out on the right side of it.”

The midfielder still knows much of the Iron squad and plans to use that familiarity to Lynn’s advantage.

“I’ll obviously give my insight to help us win the game, maybe exploit some weaknesses and combat their strengths,” he said.

“They’ve got some great players like Kian Roberts and Danny Whitehall, so there are plenty of threats.”

Clunan admits Lynn will go into the tie as underdogs but believes the FA Cup is made for upsets.

“We’ll be the underdog going into the game, but there’ll be a few shocks in this round,” he said.

“Hopefully, we can be one of them and make our way to the first round proper.”