MANCHESTER, Nov 7 (SW) - Sir Alex Ferguson has said that he will pick a strong side for tonight's fourth round of the League Cup against Southend.

This comes after the emabarrassingly close shave that the holders had in the third round against Crewe Alexander.

Writing on the club's website Sir Alex said that he has a promising crop of players, who, given time will be able to take the step up.

He added that they were not quite ready to play at this level.

Currently Manchester United are on top of the Premier League while Southend are bottom of the Championship.