SOUTHEND United coach Danny Heath wants his young Shrimpers side to embrace facing Hashtag United in the Essex Senior Cup.

Blues expect to field six first year scholars, seven second years and three third years in their squad for Tuesday night's third round tie at the Parkside Stadium.

But Heath, whose squad may include first team midfielder Jack Wood, is urging his players to prove their potential against such opposition.

“It will be tough on the night for the boys but it’s important to embrace it,” said Heath.

“First and foremost we want them to go out there and show they’re good young players with potential to hopefully one day have opportunities with the first team.

“They have to go and earn that right to get a professional contract.

“But tonight they’re playing against a men’s team and, when the game finishes, whatever the outcome is, hopefully the boys have shown they’re good young players who can one day step into the first team.

“That’s our ultimate aim, it’s about supporting the club and the gaffer by producing young players.”

The Shrimpers will certainly have their work cut out against Hashtag - despite their struggles in the Isthmian Premier Division this season.

The Tags sit second from bottom in the standings but their strength and experience are likely to pose problems for Blues.

And Heath is therefore keen for his team to take lessons from last season’s 4-0 defeat to Redbridge at this stage of the competition.

“One of things we spoke about last year after playing Redbridge at home in this competition is about being the best we can be.

“It’s always going to be tough physically but we want to make good decisions and doing the best in terms of the things we can control.

“We will try and play the game in a way which will suit us and not them.”

But Heath knows the Tags will be strong.

“They’re a step three side in the Isthmian Prem so they’re playing in a very good level of football,” said Heath.

“They’re well followed and supported so it will test us in the four corners of the coaching model we work to.

“It’s tactical, technical, psychological and physical.

“It will be a good challenge and a good test in all four departments.”

The match will also receive huge viewing figures online due to Hashtag’s popularity on social media.

The Tags were formed back in 2016 and have a whopping 646,000 YouTube subscribers.

Tomorrow night's match kicks off at 7.45pm.

Prices have been set at £12 adults and £7 concessions.