Exeter City midfielder Matt Oakley is adamant the Grecians can cause a shock upset when they take on Liverpool in the FA Cup this weekend.

Exeter host the Reds at St James Park on Friday night and Oakley believes the key to his side securing progression to the fourth round of the tournament is to ensure they stick to their game plan.

Oakley played in the 2003 FA Cup with Southampton and will use the words of former Saints manager Gordon Strachan as inspiration for his teammates this weekend.

"Gordon would tell us: 'Enjoy it but be careful not to give the opposition too much respect," Oakley said.

"Because, before you know it, the game has gone in a flash and you've missed that opportunity.'

"If we play them at their game we'll get beat.

"But if we play OUR game, we will have a chance to maybe score early – and that could change the whole flow of the match."