BROMSGROVE Rovers fans are being urged to come out in force to support the team in their titanic FA Cup clash against Morecambe on Saturday.

Rovers will be the underdogs when they kick off against their high-flying Conference opponent at 3pm at the Victoria Ground in the fourth qualifying round.

But both chairman Tom Herbert and manager Jimmy Mullen believe that Morecambe can be swept aside by a team that is riding a wave of support by the fans.

Mullen said: "It's a massive test for everyone at the club. For the players they will be up against a side three levels higher than they are.

"On the management side the tactics for both sides is going to be very interesting.

"It's important the fans get behind us. The team always improve with the team fans behind them and the players have said that.

"If we get a big crowd cheering us on then there's no reason why we can't win this match."

But Rovers face a mammoth task to progress into the cup's next round. Morecambe are fifth in the Conference and have goalkeeper Ryan Robinson, defenders Chris Blackburn, Davis Perkins and striker Gary Hunter called up to the England National Game squad for the European Championships.

However, Mullen's side has already knocked out Conference North side Hinckley United and Southern League Premier Halesowen Town.

Rovers will also hit the jackpot if they defeat Morecambe, with the winner's earning £10,000.

Rovers have already generated that amount getting this far in the FA Cup.

Herbert said: "We have made ten thousand pounds so far and it's been a massive boost the to club.

"It means I don't have to put my hands in my pocket so often.

"But if we were to beat Morecambe then we would double the money we have made already and that would have a big effect on the club."

The chairman though agreed with his manager that the fans could be key.

He said: "The fans have to come out in force to support us. We want to create an atmosphere that can spur the team onto victory.

"We have brilliant fans here and if they get behind I'm sure we can beat Morecambe.

"The manager has done a brilliant job. He's only got 16 players to work with but he's getting the best out of them. It's some of the best football I've seen in a long time here.

"The players have done a fantastic job to get us this far and I congratulate them on their efforts. But I also feel we have a great chance of getting to the next round of the cup. Why not? Anything's possible."

Mullen was tight-lipped about his own team selection for Saturday's David-versus-Goliath encounter, but he hinted that striker Mark Danks, on loan from Forest Green Rovers, is likely to start up front.

Midfielder Scott Hadland and Phil Male will need fitness tests this week after missing the 3-2 win over Beaconsfield SYCOB on Saturday.

On-loan striker Paul Szewczyk has also been allowed to play by club Hednesford Town.

Mullen admitted that the most important player might be the crowd acting as a 12th man.

He said: "I urge the fans to come out in force and support us as hard as they can.

"They could give us the edge over Morecambe. They're that important."

By Peter McKinney