FA CUP talisman Eunan O’Kane is urging Cherries to be wary of the threat of his close pal and one-time flat-mate Billy Kee.

Striker Kee set up Burton Albion’s third round trip to Dean Court when he netted the only goal in their replay win over League Two rivals Fleetwood last month.

Kee, who played alongside O’Kane at Torquay and for Northern Ireland, also bagged a late equaliser as the Brewers earned a second crack against the Cod Army.

Capped with O’Kane at under-19 and under-21 level, Kee has hit nine goals this season – including five in his past eight games – to help Burton mount another promotion push.

Currently second, the Brewers, who took Manchester United to a third round replay in 2006 and ousted Middlesbrough at the same stage in 2011, lost out to Bradford in last season’s play-off semi-final.

O’Kane, who scored twice for Cherries in the FA Cup last season, told the Daily Echo: “I know Billy and Adam McGurk and they are both in good form at the moment. Burton are a decent team and have certainly got goals in them.

“They are doing well in League Two and we all know what form can do for you. As we experienced last season, if you are on a good run, you think you are untouchable, regardless of who you are up against.

“I am sure they will come here looking to get a win and I don’t think they will be scared of us in any way due to their current run of form. It should be a good game.”

O’Kane, who netted Torquay’s winner and featured with Kee when the Gulls sprung a surprise by beating Carlisle in the third round in 2011, added: “I have known Billy since I was 17. We played together with Northern Ireland and then shared a flat when we were at Torquay.

“We meet up quite often and he is one of my best friends in football. He got married on Christmas Eve but I couldn’t attend because of our game on Boxing Day. If I play tomorrow, hopefully he won’t kick me for not going!

“I haven’t really spoken to him about the game yet but will probably meet him at their team hotel for a coffee. It will be strictly business before the game and we will have a bit of banter afterwards.”