Kevin Davies insists he will have nothing to prove tomorrow as Saints take on the club that broke his heart.

As a lifelong Sheffield United fan, Davies dreamed of playing for his local side and was thrilled when he was invited to join their school of excellence.

He was shattered two years later when they showed him the door at 14, although he now recognises it was a blessing in disguise.

And as he prepares for tomorrow's AXA- sponsored FA Cup third-round tie against the Blades, Davies is adamant he bears no grudges.

He said: "People have moved on from when I was there. It is a different chairman, manager and staff, so it is not a case of proving a point - except perhaps to show the fans what they could have had.

"I was upset at the time because I used to go and watch them every week when I was a lad. I lived about five minutes from the ground and was a Junior Blade. My brother Andrew used to take me and I remember it cost £1.20 to get in!

"But, in hindsight, it was the best thing that could have happened when they let me go. I was there from 12 until 14 and I used to stay behind for extra work. They told me I'd make it and promised me this and that.

"Then I had half a bad season and I was released. They said I lacked pace and aggression then. But it simply made me all the more determined to succeed and prove them wrong.

"It is a lesson to any youngster who is rejected that it does not necessarily mean you will fail.

"There is nothing wrong with dropping down the leagues if you have to.

"I went to Chesterfield instead and they were a lot warmer.

"They also had a smaller squad and, when they got a few injuries, I was called up while still a first-year YTS."

Davies quickly established himself as a regular and was part of the Chesterfield team which stormed through to the semi-finals of the 1997 FA Cup and came agonisingly close to beating Middlesbrough.

They were denied a 3-1 lead and a probable place in the final when the officials failed to spot that a Jonathan Howard shot had crossed the line.

A late extra-time equaliser eventually gave the Spireites a 3-3 draw before Boro won the replay 3-0.

But Davies still recalls how the cup run galvanised the whole town - and he would dearly love to similar scenes in Southampton.

He added: "It was fantastic. The streets were decked out in blue and white and everyone was talking about it.

"I have just been reliving it because my brother bought me a book on Chesterfield's history for Christmas.

"He will be there tomorrow along with the rest of my family, who are all United fans, apart from my dad. He's a Wednesday supporter.

"But I think most of them will want me to do well tomorrow.

"It will seem strange playing against United for the first time, although I don't really follow them that closely anymore.

"I would probably go and watch Chesterfield now but I am still looking forward to tomorrow.

"It will be great for my family and my mates who are coming down to give me some stick!"