There wasn't just one half-time hero on Wednesday.

Dexter Blackstock might have grabbed the headlines but Paul Telfer might just have played his way into a starting place at Highbury.

While Blackstock's goals ensured Saints progressed to the last 16, fellow interval sub Telfer was just as influential.

In his usual understated manner, Telfer was put into the centre of midfield and, finally, Saints were able to retain possession.

Telfer has been out of the first team reckoning so far this season but his display - which included setting up two of Blackstock's goals - may just have won him the chance to start against Arsenal.

Head coach Steve Wigley said: "Paul came on and passed the ball in a key area - centre of midfield. For whatever reason, we weren't doing that well enough.

"Telfs has got a wealth of experience and his delivery from set-pieces was excellent as well.

"He's a proven professional who comes in every day, works very hard and has an excellent attitude and that's why he's had a good career.

"He's excellent to have in the respect that he can fill in a number of different positions and he has come into my thoughts for this weekend."

With Fabrice Fernandes and Rory Delap facing late fitness tests, it's difficult to second guess Wigley's midfield line-up tomorrow.

But if Telfer were to start, it would almost certainly be in the central berth partnered by either David Prutton, Delap or Anders Svensson.

Whatever team Wigley puts out, he has stressed the importance of concentration and will tell his players to relish the opportunity rather than fear the daunting prospect of taking on the mighty Gunners.

He said: "There will be an emphasis on concentration because when you're playing against top class opposition they think very quickly, like when the ball goes dead.

"We will have to concentrate and work hard and be prepared to run ourselves into the ground.

He added: "You've got look forward to it - going to Highbury which is a fabulous ground and you've got to be positive.

"We were the same when we went to Chelsea. We got beat but we were positive.

"If you go frightened to death then you know what will happen to you, but we will have to play well.

"Maybe at one or two places one or two players could have an off day, but against the Arsenals of this world none of them can.

"I hope they have an off day but they'll be smarting after the United defeat."