Tuesday 13 December 2011 14:55, UK
Josh Parker hopes Oldham can use the lessons from their cup success against Bradford and earn a lucrative tie with Liverpool.
Latics beat Bradford 2-0 in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy northern section semi-final last week and Parker feels the Bantams share a physical approach with Southend, who stand between Paul Dickov's side and an FA Cup third-round trip to Anfield. "Both teams have got similar attributes," he said. "They've both got big players. "We're a footballing side and I think everybody knows that about us, so we've just got to play our own game and show what we can do." Parker made his first appearance since August against Bradford last Tuesday after being sidelined with a knee problem and the 21-year-old retained his place in the starting XI that lost to Sheffield Wednesday at the weekend. "The knee is fine now, but I've got a lot to do in terms of getting stronger and fitter," he added. "I'm not close to where I can be at the minute, but if I put in a bit of extra work hopefully it will pay off.
