Portsmouth's Ryan Williams: My mum charged to mind Arsenal fans' cars - I've always been a Gooner

Now Ryan Williams is seeking to pick the pockets of the Premier League giants as they venture to Fratton Park in the FA Cup.

The Australian international is the frame to face his beloved Gunners after netting in Friday’s 3-0 success over Rochdale.

Embroiled in a right-wing battle with Marcus Harness, it appears Williams will be entrusted with playing duties against the club whose shirts he wore as a child.

Having already challenged Chelsea and Manchester City at FA Cup level, the 26-year-old is about to add another notable name to a treasured list.

Especially a club he still supports, with Thierry Henry held up as his idol.

Williams told The News: ‘My mum was born in India and moved over to north London at the age of three, growing up around Highbury.

‘When people went to games, they would give her money to look after the car – and that’s why I support Arsenal!

‘Besides that, my dad is from Kent, where there are no Premier League teams, so he gave us no clubs to support.

‘So everything is from my mum’s side, my uncles are Arsenal supporters born in North London and, when I was living in London (with Fulham), my Auntie Gill would ask if I wanted to go along with her on a season ticket.

‘As a kid I had a shirt, as many Arsenal things as I could to be honest.

‘When I was growing up, Henry was amazing, especially during that period when the club moved from Highbury to the Emirates.

‘I was in the stadium when he came back for his second spell and scored in the FA Cup against Leeds in January 2012. It was amazing, I’ve been to some good games.

‘When the draw came out I was buzzing, absolutely buzzing.

‘My mum has said: “What shirt are you going to get me?”. I’ve told her: “Hang on, what shirt am I going to get for myself!”.’

Mikel Arteta’s side are presently 10th in the Premier League, with a last Fratton Park defeat occurring in March 1958.

And Williams has been impressed with the head coach’s impact since his December appointment.

Pompey’s winger added: ‘Next season will be a lot better for Arsenal so Arteta can really implement what he wants to do, you can already see there has been a change.

‘I remember him as a player, he was in that game against Leeds. That's what they are missing, someone who does not do stupid fouls, can put a foot in and give the ball off easy.’