A host of former Southend United stars will be clubbing together to pull-off another giant-killing act for Gillingham in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The Second Division promotion chasers, managed by ex-Blues and England under-21 boss Peter Taylor, hope to cause another major upset when they clash with Premiership strugglers Sheffield Wednesday at the Priestfield Stadium tomorrow (Saturday).

However, Taylor, whose strong contingent of former Shrimpers includes defender Guy Butters, midfielder Paul Smith and striker Andy Thomson, is not losing any sleep over the Yorkshire giants' visit.

"We've got nothing to fear and all the pressure is on Wednesday," said former Seasiders winger Taylor, who still lives in Thorpe Bay.

"I just want my boys to go out and enjoy themselves, but if we play to our capabilities we can pull off a surprise."

It is a sentiment repeated by 28-year-old Scottish front-runner Thomson, who scored 28 goals in 122 league matches for Southend.

Thomson was reunited with Taylor during the summer when he joined the Gills for £25,000 from Oxford United.

"We can beat anybody on our day," said Thomson, who left Blues for the Manor Ground on a free transfer two seasons ago and has scored 11 goals in all competitions this term.

Three of these strikes have come during Gillingham's cup run, including the winner against First Division Walsall, which has seen the Kent side account for Third Division Cheltenham Town and Darlington, plus Premiership Bradford City.

"When I was at Southend we had a horrendous cup record and would always get beaten at the first hurdle - we were jinxed - so it's nice to have a change of luck," added Thomson, who still resides in Leigh.

"But I think it will be hard for us tomorrow because Wednesday, despite their struggles, are an established Premiership side packed with quality international players, but we'll be giving it our best shot."

Thomson also praised Taylor, who paid Scottish minnows Queen of the South £250,000 to take him to Roots Hall, when he said: "I'm pleased for the gaffer because he was given a hard time at Southend, but he's proved that he is a good manager."

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