THE FA Cup has more than its fair share of detractors – but Tommy Elphick is certainly not one of them.

While those in the upper echelons of the English game may no longer prioritise it, Elphick still relishes his appearances in the grand old competition.

And after taking a quick glance at his cup history, it is little wonder Elphick shares the view held by many of football’s traditionalists.

When with Brighton, the world’s most famous domestic knockout tournament provided quite the journey for Cherries’ linchpin centre-half.

From facing the likes of Ashley Young and scoring in front of nearly 40,000 spectators at Villa Park to locking horns with John Carew and Jon Walters in a Britannia Stadium baptism of fire, the value of the FA Cup will never be lost on Elphick.

Although defeated 3-2 at Villa in the fourth round (2009-10) and suffering a 3-0 loss in a fifth-round clash at Stoke (2010-11), the occasions bring back fond memories for a player keen to experience more of the same.

“I don’t think you really appreciate how good they are until you actually play against them,” recalled Elphick, in an interview with the Daily Echo ahead of tomorrow’s second round tie at Carlisle (3pm).

“John Carew was very powerful and Jon Walters was quick, which is something that doesn’t come over when you watch him on television. He seems to be all hard work, heart and endeavour but he has actually got more quality than you think.

“At Aston Villa, it was good to play against Ashley Young. He was getting a lot of hype and interest and this was just before his Manchester United move. The biggest thing for me is the fitness they have got. They are relentless and any chance that you give them, they will take.

“We have got quite a young team and to be pitched against a team like that would be a good experience.

“But we have got to get through this round first and that is the incentive we have got to be looking at – trying to draw a big team, hopefully away for the fans, or if not bring a Premier League team down to us. It would be a great day out and occasion for the club.”

Elphick believes such clashes represent an opportunity for the lower leagues’ emerging talents to gauge what is needed to reach the top – but that and showcasing their skills on the bigger stage are not the only benefits.

Despite some clubs and pundits appearing to see the competition as little more than a distraction, the 25-year-old has experienced how a good run can also boost league aspirations.

In the same season he and Brighton locked horns with Stoke, they went on to claim the League One title. Cherries will no doubt hope Elphick can recall a similar story come May.

“If we went to Carlisle and didn’t put in a good performance then it could damage a bit of confidence and knock us off this little run we are on,” added Elphick.

“It is important we turn in a good performance, come back ready to go for the league again and wanting to be in the third round – because that winning mentality is vital if we are going to get to where we need to be this season.

“To stay on this little run we are on and, hopefully, get back to winning ways is definitely important for our progression in the league.”

Cumbrians captain Paul Thirlwell is back in contention following an ankle problem, but Peter Murphy (hernia), Danny Cadamarteri (groin) and Lee Miller (ankle) are on the sidelines.

Cherries: (from) James, Francis, Addison, Elphick, Daniels, McQuoid, MacDonald, Pugh, Tubbs, Grabban, McDermott, O’Kane, Pitman, Fogden, Cook, Demouge, Partington, Davids, Fletcher, Jalal.

Carlisle: (from) Collin, Simek, Edwards, Livesey, Chantler, Symington, Potts, Berrett, Robson, Garner, Beck, Thirlwell, McGovern, McGinty, Welsh, Gjokaj, Todd, Gillespie.