Newport County’s Sean Rigg begins a three-match suspension when Stevenage visit in League Two on Tuesday night.
Midfielder Rigg was sent off after 23 minutes of the Exiles’ hard-fought goalless draw at Plymouth in the FA Cup on Saturday and the club have not contested the decision.
However, boss Graham Westley – a former Stevenage manager – is boosted by the return of defensive duo Darren Jones and Paul Bignot after bans.
The value of County’s gritty second round effort has become more clear since they have drawn Liverpool away at Anfield if the Exiles can overcome Plymouth in the replay.
Westley said: “Financially, it’s a game-changer. When I was at Stevenage, the FA Cup runs were the reason the training ground got built.
“I know the difference that FA Cup runs can make that’s why I’ve always placed such importance on it in my managerial career.
“It’s a great opportunity, but it remains just that, we have to focus on the replay. It does not pay in these circumstances to start dreaming, you’ve got to keep your mind on the job.
“It’s an unbelievable draw for a small club, but we won’t put the cart before the horse.”
Chairman Gavin Foxall believes the money earned from a trip to Anfield could help secure the future of the club.
“It would absolutely be a massive financial boost for us,” said Foxall.
“Certainly for a club like ours it would secure the future for a season or two at least. It would be extremely welcome and would boost the coffers enormously.
“We are delighted, but there is a very difficult game with Plymouth first.
“A game at Anfield against Liverpool would rank right up there in the club’s history.”
The 32 third-round ties will be played across the weekend of January 6-9, 2017.
For the Stevenage clash, skipper Scot Bennett and Jazzi Barnum-Bobb were fit to start at the weekend and should continue, while midfielder Joss Labadie returned to the bench and is pushing to be involved.
Stevenage have Luke Wilkinson available for the rearranged clash after sitting out Saturday’s 4-3 defeat to Doncaster due to a one-game ban.
In-form striker Matt Godden, who signed a new two-year deal last week, was a surprise absentee with an unspecified injury against Rovers and it remains to be seen whether he returns.
Kgosi Ntlhe was also a late withdrawal and he will be assessed.
Charlie Lee, Dean Wells and Harry McKirdy came in for the trio and will hope to keep their starting places.
