Robert Earnshaw's reputation isn't confined to the Championship - Tamworth midfielder defender Matthew Williams knows from personal experience how deadly the Canaries' hot-shot can be.

Robert Earnshaw's reputation isn't confined to the Championship - Tamworth midfielder defender Matthew Williams knows from personal experience how deadly the Canaries' hot-shot can be.

The pair played together in the Wales U21 team and, not surprisingly, Williams reckons Earnshaw will cause plenty of problems.

“I played with Rob for Wales U21s and he's a top player,” said Williams. “I'm looking forward to seeing him again and playing against him.

“Rob's a great goalscorer and will be a real handful for our defenders.”

Williams also believes Earnshaw will be out to show his Premiership admirers that he can cut it at the highest level.

The Welshman has been linked with a £5million switch to Portsmouth, Blackburn or Watford in the January transfer window.

Williams added: “He's a quality striker and is hoping to get back into the Premiership, so he will be out to impress.”

To keep in shape, ex-Manchester United trainee Williams has been counting the calories over Christmas and New Year.

He said: “We've had to watch what we eat over Christmas but we do that anyway because that's the life of a footballer.

“There has been no extra training, we are just treating it like any other game.”

Tamworth are the lowest-ranked side left in this year's FA Cup and are massive underdogs for the tie.

Williams is glad have an outside chance of progressing, but would prefer to be facing his old mates at United.

He said: “We would have liked a top Premiership in the draw because it would be good for the club.

“I am a Man United supporter so it would have been great to play against them.”