Charlton tie 'a free hit' for Southend - Powell

Chris Powell led Charlton Athletic to promotion from League One in 2012

Ex-England full-back Chris Powell believes Southend United could be a stern test for Charlton Athletic when two of his former clubs meet in the FA Cup first round.

Left-back Powell made 248 league appearances for Southend in the early part of his playing career and later had three spells at Charlton, playing 244 league games.

The 55-year-old later managed both clubs but is now an assistant coach at Championship club Sheffield Wednesday - and will miss the cup game because of his duties with the Owls.

"Being at Roots Hall is a real plus, if it was at The Valley it would be a lot harder for [Southend head coach] Kev [Maher] and the team," Powell told BBC Essex.

"It's a little bit of a free hit [for Southend] and it would be great if they can get through to the second round. It will be a real good game, a full house, and I expect a rocking atmosphere."

It is the first meeting between the two clubs for five years and first ever in the FA Cup - Charlton won 3-0 when they met in the League Cup 54 years ago.

And Powell believes the team selections of Maher and Charlton boss Nathan Jones could have a big impact on the outcome.

"Kev doesn't have a wealth of options so I think they’ll be fairly strong, Nathan will have one eye on the league, and trying to get out of League One which is very difficult," he said.

"If he puts out a strong team that’s a mark of respect, but if he puts out a mixed team – a lot of managers do it, they like to give players minutes – then it could be a real chance for Southend."

Two tiers currently separate the clubs, with Charlton 12th in League One and the Shrimpers 14th in National League, having been saved from possible extinction by a summer takeover.

"They’ve got to be full throttle and right on the money because they are playing against some really good players, some that have played in the Championship," Powell added.

"It’s going to be another level up but... they’ve shown at times [this season] that they can really perform and even though it has been up and down there are definitely signs now of what Southend are capable of.

"For me, they are a top seven team in that division, but you have to earn the right [to be there]," added Powell, who received an MBE from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

Shrimpers boss Maher is unhappy that there will be no replays this season should first-round ties end in draws.

"We're trying to get to a sustainable position as a football club - replays against big teams, or Charlton, can make a huge difference to clubs at our level," he said.

"For that to be taken away is really disappointing, but we are where we are and we've got to accept that and move on."

His squad includes former Charlton striker Macaulay Bonne, who has yet to open his account in nine appearances so far.

"As a team you've got to work your socks off, and that starts from the front - and Macca did that on Saturday [gainst Tamworth]," Maher added.

"The more he keeps doing that, the chances will come, the goals will come. It's tough, but sometimes you don't get your proper work into you, which he's getting now, and he will see the benefits of that."