SOUTHEND United’s academy manager Ricky Duncan insists his side will show no fear when they host highly rated Middlesbrough in the third round of the FA Youth Cup tomorrow night.

Middlesbrough have triumphed in their last six games and currently top the north group of the under 18 Premier League table.

But Duncan believes the Shrimpers should not be feeling afraid ahead of the clash at Roots Hall.

“There should be no fear factor from the boys now, especially as we’ve played our previous two games in this competition at home,” said Duncan.

“Middlesbrough will be another step up and, just from looking at their results, you can tell they are a good side.”

“We’ll give them a flavour of what they’re about, but we’ve just got to worry about ourselves and what we do, and that’s what we’ve been working on this week.

“We’ve had a good look at the DVDs and match reports we’ve got on Middlesbrough and we’ve got our game-plan that we want to try and work to.

“But ultimately it will come down to the desire of the players on the pitch and who makes the better choices and the better decisions.

Blues have triumphed at Roots Hall in the previous two rounds of the competition, seeing off both Leverstock Green and Barnet.

Duncan labelled the win against the Bees as one of his best ever during his time with the Shrimpers.

And he hopes the latest clash will be watched by a large number of Southend fans.

“The more fans that can come along the better,” said Duncan.

“The FA Youth Cup is a special occasion for these lads and they want to sample a good atmosphere in it.

“The players only get two years to play in this competition and then that’s it, they can never play in it again.

“They can go on and have careers playing in The FA Cup, but the Youth Cup is always a special thing for these boys at their age.

“It’s important for their development as players and it’s something they will always remember.”

Middlesbrough have entered the competition at this stage and are coached by former Blues midfielder Mark Tinkler.

He made 61 appearances during a 15 month stint at the club and Duncan is looking forward to seeing him back at Roots Hall.

“I know Mark to say hello to from his time with Southend and it will be good to see him back here again,” said Duncan.

“We probably look a bit older than when we last saw other but he’s doing a good job there and will be looking to carry on Middlesbrough’s tradition of bringing players through.”