ROBBIE SAVAGE admits it is going to feel “horrible” if he were to face son Charlie in tomorrow’s FA Cup first round.

Peterborough host Reading at The Weston Homes Stadium with both League One sides dreaming of a deep run in the competition.

More than a month into the job, new Posh boss Robbie, 52, concedes it has felt strange plotting for Reading’s downfall given that his son could be selected to play for the opposition.

Understandably, the pair have chosen not to talk this week – normally they would speak in the build-up to a match – because they feel it would be unfair to either team.

Midfielder Charlie, 23, was an 84th-minute sub in Reading’s 2-0 loss at rivals Oxford on Wednesday but due to this weekend’s unique circumstances, they have not had a debrief chat.

From an emotional perspective, it has not been an easy week for proud dad Robbie, whose other son Freddie is also involved in football.

Speaking to SunSport, Savage Snr said: “I’ve played against him in the garden numerous times – where I used to always beat him, and Freddie, too.

“He used to get aggressive. I always used to beat him in a one-v-one situation! But it’s going to be horrible. If he does start, it’s not going to be a nice feeling.

“Because we’re trying to beat Reading, who’re flying in the league. I’ve not been able to speak to him all week. After his last match, as a dad, I’ve not been able to say to him: ‘How did you do?’

“I always speak to him in a positive way. And this is only the first occasion since his loan time at Forest Green Rovers where I’ve not been able to speak to him for the week.

“Because it’s not fair on him. I don’t want to put him in a position where something slips out. They might have a game plan. They might have something different.

“I don’t want to put him in that position. So, it’s been a tough week.
“Listen, my two sons are my life.

“Regardless if he plays or not, we need a win to progress in the competition. I know there’s a lot being made about Savage vs Savage, but it’s not.

“It’s Peterborough United vs Reading and Charlie might not play. We’ve just got to put a team out there to beat Reading. But it’s going to be a horrible situation.”

Robbie is proud of how Charlie left the family home three years ago for the Royals, having been a Manchester United trainee, and coped on his own as he pursued his footballing ambitions.

The former Leicester, Derby, Birmingham and Wales midfielder – who could blood some young Posh teenagers on the bench on Saturday – admires the way Charlie dealt with the adversity.

Robbie said: “Charlie is a good player. Has a great attitude. He’s not a sulker like I was.

“My body language when I didn’t play – which didn’t happen much – everybody knew about it. That was my emotion. He’s a different character.

“But what he’s done has made me a better manager, without even knowing it.

“When he first went to Reading, he moved away from his family. He was on his own. He was in an apartment with no friends, no family. When he wasn’t in the team under Ruben Selles, he was in a vulnerable position.

“Now in my managerial career with young players, I try and treat every player like I’d want the manager to treat Charlie – because of knowing how vulnerable young lads are.

“If a young player makes a mistake, obviously you’ve got to be firm. But if I really have a go at them, they’re going to feel worse than if they’re young with no family, friends, isolated.”