Watford will not be affected by memories from the FA Cup final when they face Tranmere Rovers this afternoon, claims Craig Shakespeare.

The Hornets were humbled by Manchester City in the final of last season's competition, losing to a record-equalling 6-0 scoreline, but the new assistant boss believes the players have put that day behind them and is expecting the team and the supporters to be up for the challenge.

"That was a while ago, if I'm honest," said Shakespeare.

"A lot of things have happened since then. Different management, different players, to a certain extent and I think they know. I have to say the supporters at home have been terrific in getting behind the team. There's been a great atmosphere, I've really enjoyed the atmosphere, I'm sure that they'll get behind the team, there won't be any hangovers about that and it will definitely be a focus on Tranmere."

Focused, though they may be, the Hornets will make a number of changes to their starting lineup, with Shakespeare revealing that Watford will use the game as a chance to rest some of their key players, with Premier League survival their main priority this season. 

However, the former Leicester City boss claims they are still aiming to compete in the tournament and want to progress as far as they can.

"In terms of recharging the batteries, yes we will," he said.

"But we aim to try and go through to the next round because we do hold the FA Cup in high esteem and we want to try and progress, but it gives players a chance who maybe have been a bit frustrated, it gives them a chance to get some minutes under the belt."