AFC Bournemouth defender Tommy Elphick is hoping for the opportunity to test himself against some of the world’s best players in The FA Cup – but knows Burton Albion must be beaten first.
The Cherries host the League Two outfit at the Goldsands Stadium on Tuesday night, after their original tie was postponed due to a water-logged pitch last weekend.
And with the winners set to play Liverpool at home in the Fourth Round, Elphick and his team-mates believe the prospect of a game with the men from Anfield is the perfect incentive for them.
AFC Bournemouth v Burton Albion
The FA Cup with Budweiser
Third Round Proper
7.45pm, Tuesday 14 January
Goldsands Stadium
Winners receive £67,500
"Winning the game would mean that we would be able to pitch ourselves against some of the best players in the country and see where we stand," said the former Brighton & Hove Albion man.
"It's a massive carrot and we won't need motivating for the game.
"But we know beating Burton will be a hard task - they are a side that can't be underestimated and we can't afford to take them lightly because if we do, we will be punished."
Bournemouth go into the game on the back of a Championship defeat against Wigan Athletic at the weekend.
But Elphick believes there are enough positives to take from what was a disappointing 3-0 defeat for Eddie Howe’s team.
“We won't need motivating for the game.”
Tommy Elphick
"There is plenty to work on and positives to take from the game," he added.
"We got ourselves back into the game at 2-0 down, played some good stuff and created chances.
"We will sit back and reflect over the weekend and make sure we are ready to go again on Tuesday.
"We had a good run going over Christmas and it was disappointing not to keep that intact at Wigan.
"We need to start another one now with a couple of good results this week."
