Rosenior praises Wrexham’s rise as Chelsea look to avoid FA Cup upset at The Racecourse | OneFootball

Liam Rosenior has said the rise of Wrexham is a 'great story' ahead of facing the Welsh side in the FA Cup this weekend.

Chelsea travel to Wrexham in the fifth round of the FA Cup, in what will be the first competitive meeting between the clubs in 44 years.

Wrexham's rapid rise through the divisions has seen the club earn three consecutive promotions, moving from the National League to the Championship in straight seasons. Currently sixth in the second tier and in the play-offs, promotion to thePremier League is the current aim.

Their journey has been funded by investment from celebrity owners Ryan Reynolds and Robert McElhenney, whosedocumentation of their venture into English football has turned Wrexham into a household name in the United States.

Addressing the media on Friday, Rosenior said he has been impressed by the 'incredible job' but said he expects Chelsea to live up to their favourites tag and avoid an upset at The Racecourse Ground.

"When you see a club grow, develop and come through the leagues, it is a great story. They have done a great job. Phil [Parkinson] has done an incredible job," the Chelsea coach said.

"It is a club that is on the rise. There is a good energy and good vibe around them, and that is hard to play against that.

"For us, it's an opportunity to win a trophy. It's what football is about. It's what the FA Cup is about. We are the favourites but we need to go and play like that.

"It is why I am here. It is what you dream of as a player, coach or manager (to win trophies).

"The FA Cup is an amazing competition with tradition and history, but what we have to do tomorrow is not think about the trophy or finals and concentrate on Wrexham."