YELLOWS skipper David Mannix is buoyed by the prospect of Craig Robinson's return from suspension for Sunday's huge FA Cup clash with Gateshead.

Vice-captain Robinson, who scored the seventh-minute winner in the thrilling first-round defeat of League One side Exeter City at Cantilever Park, missed Saturday's league win at Ossett Albion and will also be sidelined for tomorrow's Doodson Sport Cup clash at Workington due to a tw-match ban.

Robinson still has to shake off a couple of niggling injuries to be fit for the noon kick off at Gateshead International Stadium though.

Former Liverpool midfielder Mannix, aged 29, knows his good friend can play a key part with his warrior style in the heart of Town's defence.

Mannix said: "Craig’s first feelings were ‘I’m missing the FA Cup’, but with the possibility of being available he’s gone from being at the bottom to being a lot more hopeful.

“We’re really close. We travel in together and he will always give me advice and vice versa. He doesn’t just bring a lot to the team as a player; he’s a big character too.

“To lose him for the biggest game in Warrington Town’s history would have been a big disappointment.”

Winsford-born football coach Mannix enjoyed a proud moment walking Town out on live television against Exeter City, along with sons Shay, six, and Cruz, four, and is looking forward to doing so again on Sunday.

Although it was the BBC in town last time, the cameras will be at Gateshead to show the game live on BT Sport.

“It was great walking the lads out and I had my two boys as mascots,” he said.

“They just take it in their stride, as they get older they’ll probably look back and think it was a good time being on telly.

“But Warrington have got a lot of potential and it gets overshadowed a bit by the rugby league. Now people are starting to notice us and to be captain of that is pleasing.”

* Don't miss a free colour poster backing the Yellows and a full preview to the FA Cup date with Gateshead in this week's Warrington Guardian.