Southend United's Player of the Millennium, Steve Tilson, insisted there will be no divided loyalties when his Canvey Island club go head-to-head with the Blues in the FA Cup second round on Saturday week.

Wickford-based Tilson, who left Blues on a free transfer three years ago, received the most votes in a 'best ever player' Echo poll in January, leaving Blues legends like Stan Collymore and Paul Clark trailing in his wake.

However, the popular 34 year-old, who scored 31 goals in 268 appearances for the Shrimpers, admitted he could be breaking the Roots Hall faithful's hearts on December 9.

"After nine years at Southend United, there's obviously a part of me that's close to them, but I'm a Canvey player now and I will be looking to win for my club," he admitted.

The popular Gulls' skipper currently splits his time between being an ever-present in Canvey's midfield and overseeing the Blues' Centre of Excellence but insists it's his Island connections that will come first on match day.

"It's a dream FA Cup draw for all the lads here at Canvey, plus we have four other players - Mick Bodley, Mark Stimson, Craig Davidson and Adam Miller - who are all former Blues players with a point to prove."

"After beating Port Vale 2-1, who are a division above Southend, we have nothing to fear and although we are the underdogs on paper, the lads are full of confidence."

The giantkilling exploits of the Islanders on Tuesday have thrust Tilson into the media spotlight with SKY, Meridian TV and several national newspapers all vying for his attention.

"It's unbelievable what has happened since we beat Port Vale," he confessed.

"There's a great buzz around Canvey at the moment, and the only talk on the Island is where the game's going to be played."

The official draw, held two week's ago, gave Canvey home advantage but the final decision on the venue is still undecided.

"Basically, the final say will be down to safety officials and the police," added Tilson. "For the sake of our fabulous fans, it would be nice to stage the game at our Park Lane home but if we have to play at Roots Hall for safety reasons then so be it."

"I haven't played a competitive match at Roots Hall for over three years. It would be amazing to return there with Canvey, I just hope Blues' supporters won't expect any favours!"

Captain fantastic - Canvey skipper Steve Tilson has attracted the attentions of Sky TV's cameras as he prepares to take on his former club, Southend United, in the FA Cup on Saturday week.

Picture: STUART HILLIS

By Stuart Hillis

Reporter's e-mail: stuart.hillis@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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