It's 25 years since Tranmere's famous run to the quarter finals when they dispatched Premier League sides Everton and Southampton but in recent times fans have been starved of any cup success with Rovers exiting at the first round stage in each of the last four years.

Tranmere go into the tie in good form after beating Cheltenham 3-1 in the league and Clarke was pleased with what he saw from his side after they came from behind to secure the victory.

"The team responded in a positive manner and we didn't start running around like headless chickens," said Clarke. "We didn't start well and it was important we didn't give another goal away but for the majority of the game after that we were on top and a lot more dangerous as a team.

"Mentality is something you have to continually work on and you have to stay in the moment and focus and it was a real positive to respond to going a goal down to win the game pretty comfortably and a testament to the players."

Barnet are flying high in League Two and recently beat Tranmere 2-1 at Prenton Park but Clarke believes the FA Cup gives both sides a break from the stresses of the regular campaign.

"We know it's going to be a difficult game but it's also a game we're looking forward to and it's a competition we want to do well in," he said. "The finances could be a massive help and it's a competition I still think is the greatest cup competition in the world.

"You can keep building momentum - it's a long trip but we're preparing right and it's been a good week training. Winning breeds confidence but it's different to the league and you go straight into extra time and penalties and it's there to be enjoyed and maybe there's a little less pressure than the league because the league is the bread and butter but we will have fans travelling down there who pay their hard earned money and we will be very respectful that we want to put on a performance for those supporters.

"I think it will be a good game with two good teams having a right good go at each other and trying to get in the next round."

Looking back on his own FA Cup memories, Clarke took non-league Salisbury City into the third round for the first time in their history in his first managerial role.

"I've been fortunate in my career that I've managed games at Chelsea and Manchester United and they're days that live with you forever," he said. "You have to try and get yourself into the third round for when the big boys come in.

"In my second year as a manager we got Salisbury into the third round and I really enjoyed that - it was a life-changing experience for some of the players I had and also for the football club with the finances it bought in."

Barnet's recent league form has been solid, taking eight points from their last five matches but manager Dean Brennan has suggested he will utilise his squad with Clarke agreeing he will also look to make changes ahead of a busy November.

"I'll be looking to give other players opportunities and I have every belief in the squad so there will be a few changes to the team," he added. "It's a long season and we have to look after a few players with knocks so there will be a few changes but not massive wholesale changes as we want to keep the rhythm that we've had."