AFTER being hit for six by Arsenal last week, centre-backs Claus Lundekvam and Michael Svensson are in no doubt about the magnitude of the task facing them in Saturday's FA Cup final.

Svensson played in the Highbury fixture - Lundekvam didn't - but both are acutely aware of the need to snuffle out any time and space for Thierry Henry and co.

Lundekvam, who has played more than 250 times for Saints, said: "Henry is very, very good. If you give him half a chance, he is gone.

"He is certainly the man to watch for them. It will be hard for us, we are playing a quality side and they have so many good players.

"It will be a busy afternoon, but we have proved that defensively we can do well against the top sides.

"Me and Michael communicate well as the game goes by. It will be a hard match, but we read the game well and we are also able to read each other extremely well.

"Michael came in and I remember when I started in English football it took quite a long time to adjust to the fast tempo.

"He has done fantastically. I have played with quite a lot of defenders and Michael is certainly one of the best. I wouldn't like to compare to other partnerships, but I think we compliment each other very well."

Svensson added: "It is exciting, a very big game and I'm looking forward to it. I hope to produce a really good game and we want to win it.

"The FA Cup is very big back home in Sweden. It is always on television, I have always followed it and I'm going to enjoy it.

"It never crossed my mind that one day I could play in an FA Cup final, I never thought I would be good enough!

"Against Arsenal you have to be very quick and solid and you can't give them any space at all."

The duo have formed a great understanding in the centre of Saints' defence this season, with Svensson tending to step out and make crunching tackles, while Lundekvam organises the back line.

Saturday will be extra special for Lundekvam as May 17 is also the national day for Norway.

He said: "I have a lot of family coming over and it should be good as I've not been able to celebrate that day for a while!

"I was dreaming about the FA Cup final when I was growing up and it is a dream come true for me as well.

"It has been very rewarding playing for Southampton and I have enjoyed all the years I have been here.

"This season, of course, it has been a bit special. Being in the club so long and feeling the whole town buzzing is fantastic for us.

"It will be a great occasion, not only for us, but for the fans and everyone connected with the club. I think being the underdogs is great, it suits us. When we played Watford we were the favourites, everyone expected us to win."

The Norwegian international is also full of praise for the performance this season of 24-goal striker James Beattie and also the impact of manager Gordon Strachan.

He added: "James Beattie has been unbelievable this season, he has scored half of our goals and he has been so important all season - I am very surprised he hasn't been playing more for England.

"The gaffer came in at a time that was crucial for us. He has proved a good manager and the big thing was getting us very fit. Defensively we are well organised, we have a good team and a decent squad."

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