Captain issues cup-tie warning

TREAT it as a bye and Athletic can kiss goodnight to dreams of Anfield.

That is the warning handed out by captain Dean Furman in the countdown to the massive FA Cup second-round home replay with Southend tomorrow.

Win, and Furman leads his side out against Premier League giants Liverpool early next year — bagging the club a pay-day approaching £200,000 as well as an occasion to savour for fans, players and staff alike.

But should Athletic let their focus and energy levels drop, defeat against a Shrimpers side who showed plenty of resolve to secure a 1-1 draw in the original tie at Roots Hall becomes a distinct possibility.

“These are exciting times — but I keep saying, that only keeps going if we carry on winning games,” said Furman, back in the side with the skipper’s armband for the 2-0 home loss to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

“Everyone knows what the rewards are for the victors. But we can’t think too far ahead.

“The most important thing is, we know from playing them at their place that we have a very tough game on our hands.

“They are a good side, rightly top of League Two, and we won’t be taking it lightly. We prepare the same way as we would for any other game.”

Athletic officials are hopeful that the number of home fans will be swelled by an initiative which grants entry to season tickets holders for £2, provided they are bought before 5pm today, with regular fans only paying a maximum of £10.

“When this place is full, it is a great place to play football,” added Furman.

“We feel it when the fans get behind us, and the boys enjoy playing in front of a packed Boundary Park.”

In-form James Wesolowski is available again for the Southend game after serving a one-match suspension, the same punishment incurred by Furman — who admits he is “disappointed” with his disciplinary record of five yellow cards this term — against Bradford a week ago.

Jean-Yves Mvoto is unlikely to make it. The big centre-back retired from the action against Wednesday with a hamstring strain which is not initially thought to be too serious.

Nathan Clarke, another player suspended at the weekend, is likely to take his place.