AFC Telford United will have to be wary of Southend United’s teenage secret weapon in Tuesday’s eagerly-anticipated FA Cup replay.

The Bucks head to Roots Hall for a first round re-match after last Saturday’s tie finished all-square at 2-2.

Shrimpers boss Steve Tislon used the game to unleash 19-year-old left-back Johnny Herd in the first team for the first time.

Now the youngster is hoping to show his home fans – and the Telford defence – his outrageous long throw that could rival that of Stoke City expert Rory Delap.

The Bucks have already had one taste of Herd’s delivery, and were fortunate to see a linesman’s flag save them early in the second half when Peter Clarke seemed to have scored off one such throw.

“If you can get it right then it’s as good as a corner,” said Herd, who looks set to face Telford because regular loan left-back Dan Harding is not eligible.

Standards

“It’s something I’ve always been able to do and I’m not really too sure how. I’m not the biggest so I guess it’s just something in my genes.

“I look to use it whenever I can. I’m not quite up to Rory Delap’s standards just yet but I’m working on it!

“It was great to play (against Telford),” he added. “And it was brilliant to see Jean-Francois Christophe’s goal go in at the end to make it 2-2.”

Tickets for Tuesday’s replay are selling like hot cakes with nearly 200 already snapped up, and Telford chairan Lee Carter now expects up to 300 away fans to make the daunting 370-mile round-trip.

The New Bucks Head officies will be open between 8am and 6pm on Monday for fans to get tickets. They are priced at £10 for adults, £7 for concessions and £1 for under-16s.

The club have already booked three coaches to make the journey and fans wishing to reserve a space (£15) should ring the club on 01952-640064 or organiser Rob Palin on 07870-803465.