Billy Sharp has been given the nod to start for AFC Rushden & Diamonds against Burton Albion in the FA Cup first-round tie on Saturday.

The all-time leading Championship goal scorer has temporarily come out of retirement to reunite with his former club as they qualified for the first round of the competition.

This comes after the usual Diamonds striker, James Clifton, is suspended after exceeding the limit of yellow cards throughout the qualifying rounds.

The side had to play seven matches to earn their spot, including a replay against Long Eaton United.

He is set to wear the number nine shirt at the Pirelli Stadium.

Sharp told Sky ahead of the match: "Rushden and Diamonds means a lot to me because they were the team who gave me the first opportunity in proper football. I scored my first ever career goal."

“It's the FA Cup; I grew up with it as a boy and always wanted to play in the FA Cup."

"It's a magic game in a magic competition which I am very excited to be involved in,” he added.