The tie has inevitably been billed as a meeting of the Savages, with Peterborough managed by former Wales midfielder Robbie, while son Charlie remains focused on helping Reading's promotion push in League One.

When the draw was made, Savage's first reaction was excitement.

"I thought it might have been Oxford actually," he said. "But when I found out it was Peterborough, the first emotion that came to mind was probably excitement.

"Going against my old man, it's going to be a fun occasion, but a very professional one because it's not all about me and my dad. It's about two good teams trying to get into the next round."

Despite their close relationship, football has barely featured in conversations between the pair this week.

"We're very good at keeping football at football," Savage said.

"With all due respect, I don't want to be hearing about Peterborough all the time and he doesn't want to be hearing about Reading because we're in the same league.

"We've just been talking about family stuff, nothing to do with football. We both want to win and we're both very professional."

The Reading midfielder also believes his father still has a genuine affection for the Royals after following his career closely at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

"He's always got a lot of respect for Reading because of how they treated me," Savage said.

"Reading has been an amazing club for me to be at and I'm very grateful to have been given the opportunity and to still have the opportunity to play for this club."

Charlie Savage (Image: Jason Dawson)

While Savage keeps an eye on Peterborough's results, his focus remains firmly on matters at Reading, where promotion remains the overriding objective.

"The owners and the manager have been very clear that promotion is the target," he said.

"We're on track for the play-offs, but I think we definitely should be pushing for automatics. That's everybody's aim."

Although opportunities have been more limited this season than in previous campaigns, Savage says he is ready whenever called upon.

"Every player wants to play as much as they can and sometimes you don't. That's part of football," he said.

"I've come back in the best shape I've been, fitness-wise and training-wise. I'm still really fit and ready to go and I feel like I can contribute.

"Hopefully if I get an opportunity, I can show that."

Speculation linking the Wales international with a move to Peterborough because of his father's appointment was also dismissed, with Savage reiterating his commitment to Reading.

"My main priority is to play as much as I can at Reading and help Reading get promoted," he said.

"That's no disrespect to Peterborough because it's a fantastic club, but I'm definitely not planning on leaving anytime soon."

For now, the 23-year-old is simply looking forward to a unique occasion that the family will remember long after the final whistle.

"We both want to win," he said. "But family is a lot bigger than football."