Football can put Morecambe back on the map.

TWO years ago the average person in the street would probably have scratched their head in bewilderment if asked to link Morecambe with football.

A few might have associated a comedian of that name with a directorship at Luton Town, a smaller number might have noted that the town had a club in 'that Conference thing.'

Only the dedicated, informed football fan with a good knowledge of the north-west would have been able to name Jim Harvey as the manager or recognise the newly renovated ground and the outstanding prospects in the football academy.

Then, in the course of a few weeks, all that changed.

The likes of Ryan-Zico Black (the media loved his name) Kenny Takano (the press liked the idea of a Japanese FA Cup hero) and Wiggy (because of the Eric connection) became familiar names to television and radio watchers.

Jim Bowen entertained the camera crews, the national press core were fed pies and potted Morecambe Bay shrimps and a certain statue was kitted out with a woolly hat and scarf.

Morecambe's visit to Ipswich this week won't go unnoticed.

But the nationals have 'done' Morecambe now.

It's less exciting getting young Ryan-Zico to explain his unusual name second time around.

So, if Morecambe want this FA Cup run to bring them as much progress as the last one, a win - or at least a battling draw - must be on the agenda.

And they can do it.

Make no mistake.

Ipswich won't be a soft touch on Saturday - Joe Royle teams never are.

Nobody should shed any tears if the 3-0 result from last time round is repeated.

But Ipswich are trying to build for a promotion campaign.

They aren't going to win plaudits or silverware from a long FA Cup run.

Perhaps a few heads might be turned towards the race for a distant play-off place?

And Morecambe are a good side.

They beat a solid Chesterfield team on home turf.

Lee Elam is a handful for any team.

Jim Bentley provides solidity at the back and pops up with the odd goal.

Wayne Curtis and (if fit/selected) Robbie Talbot are natural goalscorers.

Perhaps most of all they have Stewart Drummond.

Regular readers will realise how stunned I am that Drummond hasn't been poached by a first or second divisions club.

Now, I'm not in the business of trying to sell Morecambe's best players, but if Drummond performs on this stage and leads his team to victory, or even a draw, then surely someone will come up with the money he is worth.

At 4.45pm on Saturday - that long trip home could yet be a glorious one.