RORY DELAP has pledged that Saints' league form won't be affected by the FA Cup fever currently sweeping the city.

The Republic of Ireland international insists next month's Millennium Stadium date with Cardiff can now be put to one side and says the team are aiming to prove their worth for a European place by still finishing among the top places in the league.

He said: "As much as the Cup means to everyone, you still want to get as high as possible in the league.

"We don't want to spoil the end of our season by doing badly in the league and it would be nice to get into Europe by qualifying in the league.

"We have slipped down a bit, but one win can take us right back up there. A lot of people said we couldn't qualify for Europe in the league and, although the Cup run has already taken us there, it would be nice to put one over on them.

"This is the time of the year when players maybe get a bit tired, but it should not be a problem for us fitness wise and hopefully that will show.

"I certainly don't think the Cup will be any distraction now. We can't go any further in the Cup, all we can do is win it or lose it."

Delap is likely to start on the bench against Leeds tomorrow after making a brief substitutes appearance against Watford last week following six weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.

Paul Jones is also expected to continue in goal in place of Antti Niemi (knee), with strikers Marian Pahars (ankle) and Agustin Delgado (back) both still unavailable.

"You know what you are going to get with Peter Reid teams and Leeds will be a tough game," predicted Delap.

"They have had a bad season but they have some good players. I'm still a bit sore and working on my fitness and touch.

"Last week I thought I would struggle to get on the bench and I thought Frannie (Benali) and Jason (Dodd) were unlucky to miss out. I felt for them, but was pleased to be involved."

Centre-back Michael Svensson, left, admitted Sunday's FA Cup semi-final had been a huge buzz, but agreed that Saints would have no problem now concentrating on the league.

He said: "I enjoyed the atmosphere on Sunday very much. It was marvellous and certainly felt like the biggest game I have played in.

"When we arrived we drove through the Watford fans and as we got closer to the stadium we saw our fans. I have never had a reception like that.

"Easter is a busy time, but the extra games are not a problem, we are professionals and concentrating on the league will be easy.

"We have players in good physical condition, we can get some good results and we want to get to as higher position as possible.

"We want to finish in the top ten and the top half is where we should be."