Brighton’s record signing Jurgen Locadia will feature against Coventry in the FA Cup and Sky Blues boss Mark Robins believes the £14million striker epitomises the gulf between the two clubs.

Seagulls manager Chris Hughton has confirmed he will hand a debut to Locadia in the fifth round of the competition following his arrival from PSV Eindhoven in January.

The 24-year-old’s bow in English football will come against a team 63 places below his new employers in the pyramid, yet Coventry have already knocked out one top-flight side in Stoke as well as League One MK Dons in their run to the last 16.

“We want to give a good account of ourselves,” Robins said in quotes published on Coventry’s official club website.

“They are the hot favourites in the game but anything can happen in the FA Cup.

“This game is a distraction, but a good distraction. We have had a great run and played some great games along the way. This is another one in that line.

“If we didn’t go into the game feeling it was winnable then there would be no point going.

“The difference between the two sides is there for everyone to see, and to top it off they are going to be starting their record £14million signing.”

While Brighton are unbeaten in four games in all competitions, Coventry have lost their last three in League Two including Tuesday’s defeat at Colchester.

Robins’ squad has been stretched by injuries to 36-year-old Michael Doyle and Jack Grimmer, who scored the winner against Stoke, with neither player likely to overcome their respective knee and hamstring issues.

The Coventry boss expects to have eight academy graduates in his squad at Brighton and wants his players to put aside thoughts of their league struggles for one afternoon.

“We are all excited,” added Robins, who will also be missing ineligible Brighton loanee Jordan Maguire-Drew  and the cup-tied Kyel Reid.

“I have seen a difference in the players and they’re looking forward to it.

“We need to get to get back on the pitch after Tuesday as fast as possible. It is a great stadium and a great place to go.

“There is no better game for us really because it gives us a break from the league and a chance to go toe-to-toe with Premier League opponents.

“I wish I could play!”