TERRY Gornell has backed Accrington Stanley to run Tranmere close in the FA Cup first round – even though he will be unable to play against his parent club.

Stanley have been handed a home tie against the League One club, who knocked them out of the Johnstone Paint’s Trophy at Prenton Park last month, with the game likely to be played on Saturday, November 8.

Gornell is currently on loan at Stanley from Tranmere but will not be able to play because his parent club do not want him cup tied.

The 18-year-old striker said: “Me and my dad were joking that it was inevitable that it would be Tranmere.

“Tranmere had already said that I couldn’t play in the FA Cup.

"I would have liked to have played because I’ve never played in the FA Cup, so I’ll be gutted not to be involved.

“Accrington have definitely got a chance because every team has found it a hard place to come recently.”

A match against higher division opposition provides a stern test for Stanley, who will be bidding to reach the second round for the first time since the 2003/04 season.