Yates played in Cheltenham's best ever run to the fifth round in 2002

Cheltenham boss Mark Yates is upbeat after his side were handed an away draw at Southampton in the second round of the FA Cup.

Wesley Thomas's goal put the Robins through against Morecambe on Saturday.

"It's somewhere we've got to go and test ourselves and it'll be really good," Yates told BBC Gloucestershire.

"I wanted a home draw against someone below us, in an ideal world and get through to the next round, but I think we've got the next best thing."

Cheltenham will be outsiders to reach the third round and the chance to play a side from the Premier League.

But the Robins will take their share of the gate at the St Mary's stadium where Southampton have averaged crowds of over 20,000 in League one this season, although only 10,410 watched their 2-0 first round victory over Shrewsbury.

"They [Southampton] are probably the biggest team in the competition at this stage, a massive club," Yates said.

"Nigel Adkins has gone down there and done a sterling job so far. They'll be expected to get promotion, and it's a great test for my young squad.

"It's one we're looking forward to, but only after three very important league games."

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