Reading boss Paul Ince believes the start of the Champions League was beginning of the end of the FA Cup.

A two-time winner of the competition with Manchester United in the 1990s, the former England captain admits it still means a lot to him, despite warning of changes against Watford on Saturday.

Speaking ahead of the Hornets clash, the former central midfielder said: "It's sad. It’s a lot to do with the Champions League and the money in it. It’s a generational thing. I was playing in the FA Cup in 1989/90 and in the playground, we used to play ‘Wembley’ as kids, so it was so important as kids of that generation to win the FA Cup. Not many teams could win it, so to do it twice was great.

"As the Champions League has come along it has become less important, which is a shame. But the thing about the FA Cup now is that there will always be a giant-killing. It’s why the third round is so great, there will always be a story. It’s what people want.

"It’s all about the fans for me, because it gives them hope and the fact they get to travel to Old Trafford, the Etihad, Anfield, that’s the fun in it. As you get closer to the fifth and sixth round, then you will see the bigger teams fielding stronger sides and it becomes important. I still love the competition and hopefully my team will show that on Saturday."