IT might be over three weeks away yet, but Ronnie Moore accepts that his Hartlepool United side could go into their FA Cup tie against non-league opposition as underdogs.

Pools have been paired with Salford City in the second round, to be played on Friday, December 4 and featured on live television with a 7.55pm kick-off.

Salford beat Notts County last Friday in front of the BBC cameras, and already captured attention because they are jointly owned by Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs.

They are priced up at 9/4 to reach the third round, although match prices against Pools have yet to be revealed.

Blyth Spartans were a generous 6-1 to beat Pools in round two last season, but Salford’s odds are likely to be shorter.

Moore admitted: “Being picked out of the hat with Salford is one of those things you get a feel for in advance. If it’s not a TV game then I don’t know what is, but there’s tough games ahead before it.

“It’s a fantastic draw for both clubs, they will feel they can beat us because of our form right now. It’s at their ground and the interest with the Man United connection. Some will make them as favourites.

“The whole nation will be against us, that’s for sure and they will all want them to beat us. We just have to go there and play in the manner we can play. We show them total respect, what they have done is fantastic and they were very good against Notts County – we have to make sure we aren’t one of those League clubs who go out.’’

Moore, whose side take on Leyton Orient on Sunday in front of the Sky cameras, added: “It’s the wonder of the FA Cup. It’s tough, but we can go there confident. We are the league club who has to impose themselves on the game.

“Anything less than 100 per cent and we can get beat.

“It’s not a distraction for me or the players – we were all made up with the draw and it’s great exposure for the players and club.’’

Meanwhile, centre-half Magnus Okuonghae could be involved at the weekend.

The big centre-half from Luton is on loan at Victoria Park, but missed the last two games – first through injury and then because he wasn’t able to play in the FA Cup last weekend.

He suffered a foot injury in the defeat at Wimbledon almost two weeks ago, while X-rays have not showed up a metatarsal break.

Pools signed Adam Jackson from Middlesbrough on loan and the centre-half impressed against Cheltenham last weekend, while Scott Harrison remains a doubt for Sunday with Orient with a hamstring strain.

Moore will have Carl Magnay back from suspension after missing the last six games. He should slot into midfield on Sunday and Moore said: “Carl has been out, but he had a reserve game at Doncaster. Sometimes it’s hard to make those decisions and calls. I know what I’m going to do with the team, but wait and see.’’