We will show AFC Telford United respect – that was Southend boss Steve Tilson’s promise today ahead of Saturday’s big FA Cup first round clash.

Tilson’s Shrimpers, who are flying high in League One, will start as heavy favourites for the eagerly-anticipated tie at the New Bucks Head.

But the men from Roots Hall will suffer disruption, with up to four of their five loan players – who are all regulars in the starting line-up – unavailable to play.

Premier League side Portsmouth have given Tilson the green light to include Frenchman Jean-Francois Christophe.

But he is not hopeful of getting permission to include his Reading duo, goalkeeper Adam Federici and left winger Harl Robson-Kanu, Chelsea midfielder Lee Sawyer or Ipswich left-back Dan Harding.

“We have had Telford watched and it’s going to be a tricky tie because they have got nothing to lose,” said Tilson.

“Everyone expects us to win so we just have to make sure we prepare in the right way. If we go there expecting to win then we could get a nasty shock.

“But if we play the way we know we can and treat the game in the right way, then I’m hoping that we will win.

“We have a big enough squad to cope with the loan players not being able to play and it will give the people a chance to show they are raring to go if they get the chance.”

Telford chairman Lee Carter is now anticipating a crowd of well in excess of 4,000 for the big game and said the phone had been ringing off the hook in the last few days with inquiries from supporters and media.

A record 90 stewards will be drafted in for crowd control, while Carter has even booked a Rod Stewart impersonator to perform before the game and at half-time to entertain the fans.

Meanwhile, Telford have been drawn at home to Burton Albion in the fourth round of the Setanta Shield on December 2.

By CHRIS HUDSON