SOUTHEND United manager Phil Brown believes Shrewsbury Town’s forthcoming FA Cup clash with Manchester United will have them fired up for this evening’s encounter at Greenhous Meadow.

The Shrews will face the Red Devils in the last 16 of the competition later this month.

But Brown does not feel Micky Mellon’s side will be losing focus on the league.

“I don’t think the Manchester United game will be a distraction for Shrewsbury, in fact I think it will probably fire them up even more if I’m honest,” said the Shrimpers chief.

“It will be a motivation for the players because they will want to be in the team for the Manchester United game and they will have to play well to make sure that happens.

“I’m sure that’s what Micky will be saying to them but they’re not in a rich vein of form in the league at the moment so it’s really important for them to start picking up points.”

Shrewsbury, who were promoted from League Two alongside Southend last season, are currently 20th in the standings just one place and one point above the drop zone.

In contrast, victory for Blues would take them up to at least seventh in the table.

But they will be missing a number of key players for the contest as in-form striker Tyrone Barnett has been denied permission to play against his parent club while midfielder Gary Deegan will serve a one match suspension following his recent red card against Coventry City.

“I’m down to 18 players now and that includes all the loanees apart from obviously Tyrone,” said Brown.

“John White, Ben Coker, Myles Weston, Anthony Wordsworth, Stephen McLaughlin and Gary Deegan are also unavailable so we’re down to the bare bones.

“But we will still be putting out a strong side and we will be going for it.

“I want that confidence from the Coventry game to be on show again because this is a massive week for us.

“Tonight is a big game too because not many other teams are playing in our league so it’s a chance to put a marker down.”

Noel Hunt is expected to replace the unavailable Barnett in attack tonight while either Michael Timlin or Glen Kamara will come in for the suspended Deegan.

On loan Norwich City striker Jamar Loza has also been selected in the squad for the first time since returning to Roots Hall.