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SITTING on a golden Caribbean beach is the last place you would expect to find someone with an affinity for the FA Cup.


But Josh Johnson admits that the world's oldest cup competition always held a special lure for him back in his native Trinidad and Tobago.

"I've watched the final on TV at home many times," said the 25-year-old winger ahead of the biggest day of his Wrexham career, Saturday's third-round tie at Championship high-fliers Derby County.

"People do know about it and watch it in Trinidad. In fact, the whole country watches it."

Johnson's previous experience of the FA Cup couldn't have been further away from the glamour of Wembley's shiny new stadium, which will stage the 2006-07 final in May after six years at the Millennium Stadium.

Early December in Scunthorpe is hardly the stuff of childhood dreams, but Johnson played his part on a cold afternoon as Wrexham took the scalp of the League One leaders with a 2-0 win.

"This is my first time in the FA Cup and I want to make the most of it," he said.

"I know it's a big competition because all the clubs are involved.

"It will be a good experience going to a big stadium and I would like to play in that game.

"I haven't seen Derby on television but I know we need to put in a big performance.

"It is against a big team and beating them would be something to remember."

Johnson is the latest in a proud line of Trinidad and Tobago players to represent Wrexham.

Soca Warriors Carlos Edwards, Dennis Lawrence and Hector Sam were all firm favourites at The Racecourse, and Under-21 cap Johnson plans to enjoy similar success for both club and country.

Having obtained his work permit in the summer (Johnson's wife is British) he has now racked up nearly 20 appearances for the Dragons in a difficult League Two campaign.

And, on Monday, he limbered up for the cup trip to Pride Park with his first Wrexham goal in the 3-1 home defeat to Accrington Stanley.

"I am not on top of my game at the moment but it is something I am working hard on with the coaches," said Johnson, who came from the same San Juan Jabloteh club which produced Sam.

"I think I will be on top of my game soon and I am looking forward to the rest of the season.

"I am right-footed but I can play any side really and I don't mind which side I play.

"The weather can be difficult for me but I am getting used to it."