LEE Barnard is already relishing tackling the mighty Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Southampton striker, who hails from Billericay, scored on Saturday to help the Saints secure a shock 2-0 success over Premier League Blackpool.

And he is now keen to cause an even bigger upset at the end of the month.

“You never know what can happen in the FA Cup and we will certainly be giving it our best shot, but it’s going to be brilliant to play against such a good side,” said Barnard, who was with Southend United before joining Southampton last January.

“They’re an unbelievable team so it’s going to be very difficult, but we drew with Chelsea when I was with Southend and they also beat Man United before my time there, so it would be fantastic if we could do something similar.”

Barnard helped set up the clash against the Red Devils — which will take place at the St Mary’s Stadium — by opening the scoring against Blackpool.

It was the striker’s seventh goal of the season and he was thrilled to again work his way on to the scoresheet on his return to action from injury.

“It was the first game I had started since having a hernia operation six weeks ago, so it was brilliant to score and to get the win,” said Barnard.

“It was a big game and, even though they left a few players out, Blackpool are still a Premier League club, so for us to beat them was great.

“Hopefully I can go on to get more goals now as well because the first half of the season was a bit stop-start for me.”

FULL STORY IN TUESDAY'S ECHO