MIDFIELDER Chris Marsden has warned fans not to expect a free-flowing game as Southampton try and reach the FA Cup semi-finals at the expense of Wolves tomorrow.

Southampton are odds-on favourites to reach the last four for the first time since 1986 as they prepare for the return of former manager Dave Jones to the St Mary's Stadium.

Gordon Strachan's side have been drawn at home for the fourth successive time and Marsden knows they are unlikely to get a better chance to win the competition with just four Barclaycard Premiership sides left in the competition.

Southampton thrashed Tottenham 4-0 in the third round before beating Millwall and Norwich but Marsden is expecting a very close game against Wolves.

Marsden said: "Winning is the most important thing in football and it's the be-all and end-all in the FA Cup. It can't get any clearer than that.

"By hook or crook, you want to get through.

"It would be nice to do it in style but then it would be nice to win in a scruffy fashion -- just so long as we win.

"We are where we are on merit but we're under no illusions because we know Wolves are a good team. Dave Jones has got them playing very well, they've got some good experienced players and they've been on fire in the last few weeks.

"They will be full of confidence and will believe they can win the game -- but so do we.

Marsden revealed reaching a semi-final will be a new experience for virtually the whole of the Saints squad if they manage to see off their Division One opponents.

He added: "It will be a great occasion and it's only the second time I've reached the FA Cup quarter-finals. The only member of the squad who has made it to a semi-final is Paul Telfer when he was with Luton."