ADAM Barrett faces an agonising wait before finding out whether or not he will be able to face Liverpool in the third round of the FA Cup.

The Benfleet based defender is currently on loan at AFC Wimbledon from Gillingham.

But his stint at the Kingsmeadow Stadium is due to end on Sunday January 4.

And Barrett could well miss out on facing the likes of Steven Gerrard and Mario Balotelli if the tie is put back to be shown live on television.

“Hopefully everything will be OK because I would be gutted if I had to miss out on the game,” said the 34-year-old.

“At the moment my loan runs out on the Sunday and I’m not sure what’s happening about whether or not it will be extended.

“But of course I would love to play in the game because it’s a fantastic draw and I’m really excited by it.”

The televised games are expected to be announced by BBC and BT sport later in the week.

However, Barrett missed watching the draw live after becoming distracted by his Christmas preparations.

“I didn’t see the draw because I was wrapping Christmas presents,” said the former Belfairs High School pupil.

“I had gone in to the front room to wrap them with the sole purpose of being able to watch the draw but I lost all track of time.

“It was exactly the same when I was with Southend and we drew Chelsea.

“I think it was doing the decorations that time so maybe it’s a lucky omen and I should focus on something Christmas related for every cup draw now.

“It’s going to be a great occasion and is a great early Christmas present, if I can play of course.”

The tie will bring back great memories for Wimbledon fans who saw their side shock Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final when Lawrie Sanchez headed home the only goal of the game at Wembley.

Barrett hopes the Dons side will also be able to secure an upset.

And the centre-back, who made 289 appearances in six seasons with the Shrimpers, insists the pressure will all be on Brendan Rodgers’ side.

“Liverpool will be expected to win and they should win too,” said Barrett.

“The pressure will all be on them and the FA Cup could well be their best chance to win a trophy this season.

“They certainly won’t be looking forward to coming to play us and if we can play to our full potential hopefully we can cause an upset.”

>BARRETT is still hoping to hear from young footballers in south-east Essex who are keen to join his scholarship scheme which is being run from the Studio School in Basildon.

Anyone interested should be aged between 16 and 19 and can email adambarrett26@icloud.com