FORMER Saints boss Steve Wigley insists "expectations are high" as the club's Under-18s prepare to reach the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup.

Saints are hot favourites to win the prestigious competition, having knocked out strongly-fancied Arsenal at St Mary's in the last round.

But they face an in-form West Ham side, who have won their last four matches, at Upton Park tonight for the right to meet either Derby or Wolves in a two-leg semi-final.

Wigley, who returned to the club last week in his previous role of academy director of football, said: "Traditionally West Ham have always been one of the top academies in the country, and we're fully expecting a very difficult game.

"We go there full of confidence but very aware of the threat that West Ham pose.

"As I've said before, any Youth Cup game tends to be very tight.

"In the previous round it was a close game with Arsenal and Andrew McNeil came up with a couple of very good saves at important times."

Wigley is well aware that Saints' record this season at under-18 level - only one defeat and one draw in 25 league and cup games - can make opponents raise their game.

"I don't really think they (the Saints youngsters) think about it," he said.

"They've got into a winning groove, which is fantastic. They haven't lost many games so expectation is very high.

"But in any one-off game that form goes out the window.

"I'm sure now, whoever we play, teams very much want to turn us over, which is to be expected.

"If you set out a run of results like we have done people want to take that record away."

Having played at QPR's Loftus Road in the third round, the Saints youngsters now have the chance to play at an even bigger London ground.

Wigley said of Upton Park: "When I played it was one of my favourite grounds because it had an atmosphere about it. They always had a passionate and knowledgeable football crowd and I'm sure the boys will enjoy playing there."

Under-18s coach Georges Prost looks likely to have an almost full strength squad to choose from as strikers Leon Best and Dave McGoldrick have recovered from minor injuries.

Creative midfielder Adam Lallana (ankle) is the only doubt.

Wigley added: "When you get to this stage of any competition, the excitement starts to kick in because you're down to the last eight.

"Our lads are very well motivated and if we play to our best then I know that it'll take a very, very good performance to beat us."

Kick off is at 7pm. Admission £3 adults, £1 children.