Craig McAllister admits there has been talk among the Eastleigh team of a dream FA Cup third round tie against Premier League opposition but insists they are unwaveringly focused on their second round tie at Southport on Sunday.

Bitterne-raised McAllister is all too familiar with the glamorous side of the FA Cup, having played for Crawley against Manchester United at Old Trafford in their famous fifth round 1-0 defeat three years ago.

The 34-year-old assistant player-manager also scored for the Reds earlier in that cup run in the third round, as the then Conference club beat Championship Derby County 2-1 with a last minute winner.

Eastleigh are just one round away from playing potential top-flight opposition after beating Kidderminster and Lincoln City to get to this stage.

McAllister feels there is an expectation that the Spitfires will get through against the Sandgrounders because of their form in the Vanarama Conference this term, which has taken them to three points off the play-offs with three games in hand against some clubs.

But the father-of-two knows what Gary Brabin’s ’Port will be capable of, having played under him at Luton Town in 2012, and he expects a tough match.

“The lads are looking good and we can’t wait for it,” he said. “These opportunities don’t come along every day.

“We know they’re going to be tough, though. I played under their manager at Luton and he’s got them firing and they’ve been on a good run, so they’re going to be a hard game.

“It would be amazing to get to the third round but we’ve got to get past Southport first and that’s what we have to focus on.

“We’ve just got to do what we know we’re capable of.

“There’s not been much talk about the cup run – mostly, we’re all surprised how many non-league teams are still in with a shout.”

McAllister reflected on the FA Cup run with Crawley from a personal point of view and, if Eastleigh were to pull something similar off, what benefits it would have for the Silverlake Stadium side.

“It was surreal,” he said about playing at Old Trafford. “I didn’t expect to get an opportunity like that.

“You think your opportunity to play at a ground like Old Trafford has gone.

“It went so quickly, one minute the ground was half empty and then, before you know it, you’re running out in front of 75,000 people.

“Then you think ‘this is a bit special’.

“For Eastleigh something like that would put the club on the map.

“It’s what everyone at the club wants.

“I think everyone has that perspective and knows not get ahead of themselves. But, if we got through, it would be massive.

“Just to see the club at the moment, how far it’s come. From playing in front 60 of 70 people to more than 1,000 each week is unbelievable.”

Macca’s recent run in the side yielded four goals in five games – taking his tally to five for the season – before being benched at Torquay after fellow forwards James Constable and Jack Midson returned to fitness.

While he has been in and out of the starting XI, it’s not something that is bothering the Scottish-born striker, and has taken his opportunities when they come.

“I got back into the team because of injuries,” he said. “I’ve been left out the last few games but I’m pleased I did well when I got the opportunity.

“It’s a long season and everyone will get their opportunity.”