The Royals head to Wembley looking to reach the FA Cup final for the first time in the club’s 144-year history.

Keown has a major interest in Steve Clarke’s side due to his spell at the Madejski Stadium in 2005 and also because his son, Niall, is on Reading’s books - making his first-team debut against Brighton last month.

Arsenal stand in the way of Reading making the final, but Keown, a former Gunners legend himself, believes half the battle is not getting overawed by their opponents.

The BBC Match of the Day pudit said: “It can be a once in a lifetime opportunity for some players but they can’t be afraid of that, they must seize the opportunity.

“You want to win something in your career. When it’s all done and dusted they’ll look back and think that we had a real opportunity there and the players may not find themselves in that position again.

“Nothing can stand in your way of getting to that final, regardless of who you’re playing against. It doesn’t matter who the opposition are, you can’t worry about them.

“You want that final spot for yourself and you want that for Reading. The FA cup has been notorious for upsets and lower ranked teams, especially this year with Bradford and Middlesbrough at Chelsea and Man City respectively.

“I think Reading have to play with no fear. I played in an FA Cup semi-final against Wolverhampton in 1998 and it was probably the most difficult one I’ve played in as there’s pressure on you as heavy favourites.

“Maybe this is the year of the giant killer so Reading have to be there ready to cash in if Arsenal have a bad day.

“Look at the transfer fees that Arsenal have spent out in the past two years. The jigsaw puzzle looks like it’s finally coming together for Arsenal but if they’re complacent then Reading will punish them, and they need to make sure they’re ready to do that.”

Reading haven’t been in great form leading up to the semi-final, taking just seven points from a possible 30.

However, Royals seem to have raised their game in the FA Cup this season and Keown insists they have the talent available to do that again at Wembley.

“Reading are a dangerous proposition because people will take note of what they did to Bradford and Arsenal will be aware of that,” he added. “They need to make it difficult for their opponents.

“Arsenal will dominate possession but you have to show that threat on the coutner-attack and I’m sure that’s how Steve Clarke will set up his team.

“They’ll be difficult to beat but looking to attack when the opportunity presents itself. If you’re not willing to do that then it’s just a matter of time until you get beat.

“Bradford was probably the most complete performance of the season from Reading. I thought in that game Hal Robson-Kanu and Garath Mccleary played with the promise that we know they have.

“Lately, Jamie Mackie’s been the glue that’s galvanised all the players together. His enthusiasm, work rate and attitude are fantastic. His desire to get beyond people and score is a very important trait to have.”

Keown was at the Emirates on Monday evening to watch as his son Niall scored the only goal of the game to give Reading u21s victory against their Arsenal counterparts.

His son has made two appearances for the Reading first team and it certainly gives the game extra meaning in the Keown household, with the ex-Arsenal defender spending 14 glorious years in North London, winning the FA Cup three times.

“Either way I’ll be at the final so I guess I can’t really lose,” laughed Keown Snr. “It’s an interesting game in our household but me and Niall are very much in the Reading camp.

“Although I’m from Oxford, who used to be the enemy for Reading, you support your son and that’s what I’ve done.”

Clarke is expected to try and nullify Arsenal’s threat by reverting to three central midfielders, with Danny Williams facing a race against time to be fit for the clash.

Williams’ absence could open the door for Jem Karacan to make just his third start since retuning from a 16-month injury lay-off.

Michael Hector and Nathaniel Chalobah are fit after coming through 90 minutes against Blackburn unscathed.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are in terrific form and have won 15 of their last 17 games in all competitions.

Laurent Koscielny is a doubt for the Wembley clash but apart from that, Arsene Wenger has an almost fully fit squad at his disposal as he looks to overcome Clarke’s side and book Arsenal’s place in a second successive FA Cup final.

Martin Keown was speaking at the launch of the McDonald’s Accredited Club Kit scheme, in association with the four Home Nation football associations. Throughout 2015, over 70,000 kits will be given away and to find out how your club can claim a free kit visit www.mcdonalds.co.uk/kitscheme