The Royals start as massive underdogs against an Arsenal team that have been in fantastic form recently.

In contrast, Reading have won just one of their last 10 Championship games over the past two months.

The Gunners’ wealth of talent makes it a daunting prospect for Steve Clarke’s Royals, but Mackie believes the FA Cup is a unique competition when anything can happen on the day.

“I don’t want to be in that changing room after the game having been beaten,” said the 29-year-old.

“It’s a fantastic occasion for everyone involved. It’s going to be a great day for our fans, close friends and families and everyone associated with the football club.

“But as a player I want to make sure I go there and have good memories of the game. It might sound a bit stupid but I’m not going to enjoy the experience if we get beat.”

He added: “Arsenal will be going into this game thinking it’s a semi-final as they want to win the competition and we have to be the same. We’re also in the semi final, we’ve got this far, it isn’t our final.

“I see it as a test and something different from our league. I loved playing in the Premier League and I want to do that again.

“You need to show that you can play in the FA Cup against top players and cope with it. I’m sure I can. I’ve played well against big teams before and scored a few goals so I’m relishing it and can’t wait for the day.”

Mackie has been in his best form of the season lately, winning the club’s Player of the Month awards for both February and March. He has revelled in the striker role that Clarke has given him in recent times.

The Nottingham Forest loanee has a huge amount of respect for the Royals boss and believes he is the perfect man to plot the downfall of Arsene Wenger’s Premier League giants.

Mackie argued: “The manager is spot on. He’s been involved in big games with top players and top teams.

“That’s no disrespect to any of us here but he’s won cups already. He knows what to do and he’s the best person we could have for this game.

“We’ll listen to him and tune in. I’ve said it before, but each time we have listened to the game plan we have done really well this season.

“It’s when we step away from it and people try doing silly things that we struggle. At Wembley and in big games that can happen.”

A blue and white army of around 31,000 Royals supporters will make the trip to north London for what will be Reading’s first FA Cup semi final for 88 years.

Their last semi final appearance came in 1927 when Reading lost to Cardiff City who went on to beat Arsenal in the final.

Mackie stressed: “It’s a one-off game and we’ve got an opportunity with the manager we’ve got.

“He won’t be stupid, everything will be well thought out. You don’t know what could happen so if the lads apply themselves and listen then we’ll have a chance.

“I want to go there and get something in an extremely tough game.”

l SEE INSIDE FOR MORE.