Billy Sharp so excited to get the boots back on for Diamonds' big FA Cup clash
"It's a magic game in a magic competition that I am very excited to be involved in."
Billy Sharp can't wait to get his boots back on and play for AFC Rushden & Diamonds in their huge Emirates FA Cup first round clash at Burton Albion on Saturday (ko 3pm).
It was confirmed at the weekend that the 40-year-old is coming out of retirement to bolster Diamonds' attacking options, with regular striker James Clifton ruled out through suspension for accumulated bookings.
Sharp retired from professional football last month after failing to find a new club after leaving Doncaster Rovers in the summer, but he is now back in the game - at least for one weekend!
Sharp made his first senior start in professional football for league two Rushden & Diamonds back in January, 2005, having joined the club on loan from Sheffield United.
He went on to score nine goals in 15 matches in a successful spell, including a hat-trick at Boston United and a last-minute winner in the first Nene Park Northants derby against Northampton Town.
Sharp went on to enjoy a superb career, racking up 813 matches and scoring 299 goals along the way - and he will now have the chance to notch number 300 for Diamonds at the Pirelli Stadium.
The former Blades, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and LA Galaxy striker was a studio guest on Sky Sports on Monday afternoon, and was asked exactly how the temporary move to Hayden Road came about.
"I am really enjoying retirement at the minute, but it was just an opportunity that excited me," said Sharp.
"I have been watching them in the preliminary rounds of the FA Cup and they have beaten three teams now that are a lot higher than them.
"When they beat Morecambe, Elliot (Sandy) the manager texted me about 20 minutes after he was on someone's shoulders celebrating the victory.
"He messaged me with the eyes emoji and I knew then it was real, and he was serious.
"Unfortunately for James Clifton, he is suspended and he is the talisman who scores the goals for them, and Elliot asked me if I wanted to play.
"I was like you know what, it's the FA Cup, I grew up with it as a boy and always wanted to play in the FA Cup, and Rushden & Diamonds means a lot to me.
"They were the team that gave me the first opportunity in proper football, and I scored my first career goal for them.
"I remember it all like it was yesterday, and people said to me back then to enjoy it because it flies by, and they were just brilliant times.
"They gave me the opportunity and the platform to have the career that I have had, and I enjoyed my time there.
"I was only a kid but I scored goals there, and I had a great connection with the fans.
"So I just felt, it's the FA Cup, I want to help Rushden out, and I just love football."
And he added: "I am coming out of retirement, but not for long.
"Hopefully we can win and we can cause a shock, and then who knows? But I love being part of a team.
"I know I am going to get a lot of media for this, but all of the Rushden boys who have got the club there deserve all the plaudits and the credit coming there way.
"Hopefully I can be a part of a shock in the FA Cup, because that is what it would be.
"We are the underdogs and I would love to be able to be involved in that, so that James Clifton could get to play in round two.
"Again, we are maybe getting ahead of ourselves a little bit but it's a magic game in a magic competition that I am very excited to be involved in."
Sharp has been keeping in shape by playing in the Baller League for N5FC, where he has turned out in the six-a-side competition alongside former Kettering Town and Wellingborough Town front man Nile Ranger.