Former Southend United favourite Damon Searle knows all about the size of the task facing the current day Blues at Ninian Park this weekend.

The reliable left back, who made 145 appearances during three seasons with the Shrimpers at the start of the new Millennium, began his career with Cardiff City - his hometown club - back in 1990.

And he warned Steve Tilson's side that they will need to overcome the atmosphere and not just their opponents if they are to get a positive result.

"It can be a bit mad there at times," said Searle.

"The fans are right on top of you and they make things very difficult for the away team.

"They get at them to put them under pressure and it will be a tricky for Southend but it's a massive match for both teams for entirely different reasons."

Cardiff, who drew with Premiership Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 in the third round of the FA Cup on Sunday, will be looking to continue their push for promotion as they strive to secure a play off position.

But, for bottom of the table Southend, survival remains the name of the game as they attempt to avoid an immediate return to League One.

"It's nice to see two of my old teams up in the Championship but they're having very different seasons so far," said Searle, 35.

"I think Cardiff could go on to win promotion if they bring the right players in during this transfer window.

"They have an excellent manager in Dave Jones, I worked with him at Stockport and was very impressed and I hope they do go on to go up.

"I'm Cardiff born and bred and was brought up just round the corner from the ground.

"It would be great to see them in the Premiership but at the same time I hope Southend can soon turn things around as well."