Aside from a Stevenage victory, Steve Evans has one wish for Sunday's FA Cup tie at Aston Villa - that he gets his hands on Emi Martinez's World Cup winning medal.

The 30-year-old was one of the stars as Argentina won the 2022 World Cup last month, a far cry from when he was tempted north by the Boro boss during his time in charge of Rotherham United.

That was in 2015 when he was struggling to get into the Arsenal side but he performed heroics for the Millers, helping them stay in the Championship and working his way into the Scotsman's heart in the process.

"I hope he’s got his World Cup medal to show me," said an instantly beaming Evans at the mention of his name.

"I’ve played less than a fingernail in his career but probably an important part when you consider he was at a crossroads at Arsenal when he came to Rotherham in the Championship. 

"But he was stunning on the pitch and stunning off it and I was so proud with everything he did at the World Cup.

"I can see he’s enjoyed his celebrations back in his homeland. A family member asked me just the other day if I had any dreams left in football and I said ‘to go on holiday with Emi to Argentina in the summer’. 

"I’ll look forward to catching up with him. We’re not in regular touch with him anymore, things drift if you like, but I did send him a couple of messages during the World Cup.

"And he embraces everything that football stands for. He’s a kid who’s come from humble beginnings in Argentina to being a World Cup winner."

The one thing that Martinez become truly well known for was his gamesmanship and antics during penalties.

Evans though has supreme confidence in Luke Norris, his nominated penalty taker at Stevenage, should the scenario arise in the third round tie at Villa Park.

"I think [Luke] will score," said the boss. "Emi is a big presence in goal, he’s a man mountain and a confident boy.

"If we get a penalty, he’ll be talking to Luke straight away, it’s what he does.

"I’ve watched him on a few occasions this season and he’s been outstanding."