FA Cup: Aston Villa v Swansea City preview

But for Lovre Kalinic, tomorrow’s clash between Villa and Swansea promises to be a very special occasion, as he finally makes his rather belated bow in English football.

It is nearly three years since the Croatian stood on the brink of joining Villa, then in the Premier League, only to be refused a work permit.

This time around there has been no mistake, with Kalinic officially completing a £5.4million switch from Gent on New Year’s Day.

Barring any unexpected delay with international clearance, the 28-year-old is all set for his debut against the Swans.

“Three years ago I was very close but it didn’t happen,” he said. “In that moment, when you are coming from a small country like Croatia and are going to the big club, like Aston Villa, it is really something amazing. But it (the deal) was not finished. Some things happened and I couldn’t sign. Now, finally, it is finished.”

Since the collapse of his move in 2016, Kalinic has appeared in a World Cup and has now been installed as Croatia’s No.1 following Danijel Subasic’s international retirement.

He continued: “I’m three years older and have gained a lot of experience in that period.

“I will give the best representation of myself on the pitch – that’s all I can say. I want to continue to improve as well, and become the best I can be.”

Expected to be installed as Villa’s No.1, tomorrow nevertheless offers Kalinic a chance to firm up his claim for the jersey.

He may not be to be the only player for whom opportunity knocks, with head coach Dean Smith likely to rest several Championship regulars.

Scott Hogan, who has seen his game-time limited by Tammy Abraham’s electric form, should see a rare start. Midfielder Henri Lansbury may also get the chance to impress, after more than a month out with a hamstring injury.

There is really no point pretending the Cup is anything like a priority for Villa, in another season which will ultimately be defined by whether or not they win promotion.

Even so, this game offers the chance to record something of a morale-boosting win, following a frustrating few weeks in which their anticipated charge up the Championship table failed to materialise.

There is also the opportunity to bring home supporters some cheer, after a run of four games without a win at Villa Park.

Those fixtures have certainly delivered no shortage of goals – 23 to be precise in total. The trouble for Smith is that 12 of those have been in Villa’s net and a clean sheet tomorrow would also be something of a boost.

One thing guaranteed is a big crowd.

A sensible pricing policy, which means season ticket holders of both teams are getting in for free, means this tie will be among the best attended of the weekend.