Mark Hughes: 'Southampton players must seize opportunity'

Mark Hughes has warned his Southampton players not to let the opportunity 'pass them by' as they prepare for their FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea.

The Saints have bigger matters on their mind heading into Sunday's showdown at Wembley Stadium due to their precarious position in the Premier League.

Southampton boss Hughes wants his side to enjoy their big day out, though, as the south coast side target a first appearance in the final of the famous competition since 2003.

"The day itself is something we can enjoy and we have to make the most of this opportunity," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "It's not every season you get the opportunity to get to a major cup final. It's the greatest cup competition in the world in my view.

"In some people's minds maybe the competition has been diminished since the emergence of the Champions League and Premier League, but to be involved in major cup finals is where you make your mark in the game and it's where you need to be. It's an opportunity to get to a major final and we are going there to make sure we don't let it pass by."

The semi-final comes eight days after Chelsea recovered from two goals down to beat Southampton 3-2 in their league meeting.