Stoke star Joe Bursik is ready to mark his rapid rise against Leicester.
The 20-year-old was playing for Hednesford in the Northern Premier League two seasons ago but is now one of the country's most in-form goalkeepers.
He is preparing to face the Foxes in Saturday's FA Cup third-round clash at the bet365 Stadium.
"It's a great competition as well and there are a couple of non-league teams knocking about as well which is good to see. We've got belief we can do well – as we did in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season."
The game is due to go ahead amid the coronavirus pandemic, while Derby and Aston Villa are set to send their Under-23 and Under-18 players to face Chorley and Liverpool respectively after an outbreak at the clubs and Shrewsbury's game at Southampton is off.
Bursik admits players are privileged to continue playing while many fans are unable to work.
He added: "We've got used to all the protocols since we first came back from lockdown in 2020.
"We are grateful we can carry on with our work, unlike the rest of the country. It's a tough situation for everyone and they are going to be at home more in the next few months.
"Our hearts go out to them and we're grateful we can carry on doing what we do."
