RORY DELAP admits that he has always dreamed of winning the FA Cup - above even the World Cup.

The 26-year-old was a Wembley winner in the Autowindscreens Shield Final of 1997 when Carlisle beat Colchester on penalties, but says he doesn't think Saints will be putting hours and hours of penalty practice in before the big clash against Watford.

"You just have to pick your spot, but it's not something we have practised at all during the season, even before the Millwall replay," he revealed.

Republic of Ireland international Delap has been injured since February 15 and the 2-0 Cup win against Norwich, but returned to training yesterday for what would be the most important match of his career.

"The semi-final would be the biggest game I have ever played in. When I was growing up I didn't want to win the league or even the World Cup, It was just the FA Cup.

"The final would be the dream game for me, but of course there is a lot of hard work to get there. Watford will be a hard game, especially as it is at a neutral ground.

"It will be a brilliant day, I'm looking forward to it and there will be some atmosphere."

Delap admitted Cup talk was practically banned around Saints' Staplewood training ground, with manager Gordon Strachan insisting the team remain focussed on their league campaign.

He said: "No-one has mentioned the Cup too much.

"And I'm sure that if anyone started going on about it too much, the gaffer would be the first to stop it.

"It's hard not to notice the great buzz around the city.

"Away from the training ground it is what everyone wants to talk to you about in Tescos, out walking the dog or wherever.

"It is obviously a massive game for the fans and we do sense that."

Delap added: "The FA Cup really is something special. No-one knows who wins the Italian Cup or the Spanish Cup each year, but everyone knows about the FA Cup.

"Even if you go on holiday, foreigners will come up and have Cup memories and they will often support an English team."

It would be a major boost for Strachan if his club record signing overcame the medial ligament knee injury and was available for the rest of the Cup campaign.

The £4m man added: "It still feels a bit weak but I am nearly there. Hopefully, with a good week's training, I will be OK.

"If I come through that with no problems, then I should be in contention for Sunday.

"It is a massive game and like everyone else I really want to be involved. But just being back in training has given me a lift."

Chris Marsden's tenth booking of the season on Saturday means he misses the Easter fixtures at home to Leeds and away to his old club Birmingham.