JONATHAN Woodgate will be tapping into loanee Shane Long's insight ahead of today's crunch FA Cup clash with Saints.

Long joined Cherries on loan last month, having spent seven years previously at Saints.

The striker is not allowed to face his parent club, having already featured for them against Shrewsbury Town and Arsenal earlier in the competition.

But Woodgate says having the experienced Irishman around has been handy this week.

"It’s good, he knows what they (Saints) are all about," said the Cherries boss.

"He knows exactly what they do and what they’ll be doing in the game.

"So it’s important that I’ve spoken to him on a few occasions to know exactly what their threats are.

"He knows them inside out, so that’s been good.

"I’ve spoken to Longy a few times. He’s obviously not involved.

"I’m sure he’ll want us to win, we’re his club at the minute aren’t we, so he’ll want us to win. I hope!"

Long, 34, has scored two goals in his eight appearances for Cherries.

He netted in defeats to Cardiff and QPR, but was an unused substitute for Tuesday's 3-0 win over Swansea.