FIVE former Southend United players could line up for Maidenhead at York Road on Tuesday night.

Midfielder Kane Ferdinand, wingers Ashley Nathaniel-George and Sam Barratt plus strikers Emile Acquah and Shawn McCoulsky all spent time at Roots Hall before joining the Magpies.

And Ferdinand knows that could make for an interesting evening.

“We have spoken about it and we all have fairly different memories from our time at the club,” said Ferdinand.

“But we’re all eager to do well on Tuesday night regardless of friendships on the other side.”

Ferdinand came through the youth ranks at Roots Hall before scoring 10 goals in 71 first team appearances.

And he looks back fondly on his spell with the Shrimpers.

“I look back on my time at Southend fondly,” said the 30-year-old.

“Making the jump from youth team football to the first team is big for any player and I’d come through during a transitional period at the club and managed to take my chance.

“I learned an awful lot from everybody during my years there and still keep an eye out for their results.”

Ferdinand left the Shrimpers in 2012 to join Peterborough United for £200,000.

But he is now enjoying lining up for Maidenhead who he has also captained at times in recent weeks.

“It’s been great here,” said Ferdinand.

“I enjoy it more when we’re winning of course but the group we have is a tight group who get on well together and that’s important for any team.

“Being skipper lately is a responsibility I’m happy to take on and captaining the Blues youth team all those years ago has left me in good stead!

“But in all seriousness we have an experienced group with several leaders who demand and push everyone daily which is vital.”

Maidenhead go into tonight’s game in 16th place in the National League.

But Ferdinand feels Alan Devonshire’s side are capable of climbing higher.

“The season has been quite patchy for us so far and we’ve not shown enough consistency, hence the league position,” said Ferdinand.

“But we know with a good run this month we can push into the top half and see how far we can go.

“The last two results and performances have been positive so we’ll be looking to take that into Tuesday’s game.”

However, Ferdinand believes Blues will be tough to beat.

“We’re expecting a tough test,” said the midfielder.

“We didn’t get to grips with their style of play at Roots Hall in August and their form pre Christmas was impressive.

“But being at home will give us a much better chance to impose ourselves more so should be an interesting match.”

And it is also one Ferdinand cannot wait to line up in.

“I’m very much looking forward to it,” said Ferdinand.

“We haven’t had a home game for over a month due to the weather so it will be exciting to be back there and of course see a few old faces from the opposition.

“We know we can compete with anyone in this league on our day.”