BLUES right-back Sean Clohessy believes the FA Cup still has its magic.

Many football pundits insists the knock-out competition is not what it once was.

But Clohessy does not agree.

“I still think the FA Cup has its magic,” said the 24-year-old, who is the only ever present in the Southend starting line-up this season.

“When I was playing non league trying to get in to the first round proper meant a lot to the players.

“Now I’m with Southend it’s about trying to reach the third round so you might get one of the Premier League teams.

“Those opportunities don’t come around too often and, after beating Preston, we would now love to also knock out Oldham but we realise that it’s going to be very tough.”

Clohessy is looking forward to testing himself against opposition from a higher level.

And he is again keen to keep out the opposing strikers.

“We’ve had a lot of clean sheets this season and that’s been a major reason for our success,” said Clohessy.

“The goals are being shared around more this season too and the run we’re on is phenomenal.

“We didn’t get anywhere near doing that last year and we want to try and keep it going for as long as we can and hope to make the third round draw.”

Blues will win £27,000 if they beat Oldham, with the third round draw taking place live on ITV on Sunday.

If they make it through, Southend will be ball number 62.