Mark Cooper says he and his Forest Green Rovers side must remain focused on the task in hand after being drawn against Premier League opposition in the FA Cup third round.

Rovers were drawn to West Bromwich Albion this evening in a tie that will see The New Lawn host the mouth-watering tie during the first weekend in January.

However, there is the issue of getting past Exeter City first having played out a 3-3 draw on Saturday to force a replay.

That game will take place next Tuesday, subject to television schedules, and Cooper will be giving that his full attention.

“When there are that many teams in the draw, if you can pull a Premiership team at home, you can’t ask for much more than that,” he said.

“We have to talk about Exeter first because I can’t be presumptuous in any way, shape or form and expect that we’ve got a divine right to beat Exeter.

“I am sure that their manager is doing the same thing as I am now, speaking to their media and they’re talking about West Brom.

“If we were to get through, it’s a good draw for the football club. The first time a Premier League team in an official competition would have been to Forest Green.

“I’m sure, as well as Googling Exeter, I am sure Alan Pardew will be Googling Forest Green to see where on earth it is.”

Should Forest Green prove successful in Devon, it will be the first time that they will face a top-flight side in the FA Cup, as they look for another first for the club, having never made it into the fourth round of the competition.

With that in mind and three tiers between the two sides, Cooper sees no reason why he shouldn’t attract the attention of the TV cameras.

“It’s a big club and I am sure they will look at it as a realistic chance to get through,” he added.

“Whoever gets through to play West Brom, it’s a great tie and it’s one that I would think, looking at the other draws, would be probably ripe for a television game.”

FGR centre-back Jack Fitzwater, currently on loan from West Brom, will having a vested interest in the potential game with his parent club but may be forced to miss the game if it happens.

Cooper said: “I wouldn’t think he would be allowed to play, which isn’t great for the boy but we’ll ask the question but I wouldn’t think they’ll let him play.”