Strachan was a winner with Man Utd

Southampton manager Gordon Strachan believes Saturday's FA Cup final means more to his low-profile players than to Arsenal's array of internationals.

Arsenal's star-studded side will start as favourites to retain the trophy at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

For the Southampton team, which will include players such as midfielder Chris Marsden and striker Brett Ormerod who have come from the lower leagues, it will be a dream come true.

Strachan said: "It's more romantic to people like Marsden.

"The top players will still treat it as a trophy to be won. That's why they are top players, they are used to winning things.

"I don't think there will be any different motivation but there will more excitement, I would imagine, for the Marsdens and Ormerods than there would be for other guys who have won World Cup medals and things like that."

Strachan's underdogs will enjoy the support of most neutrals and the boss added: "In a funny way I think people enjoy this a bit more when you have got an underdog.

"This Cup is really designed for clubs like ourselves and players like Marsden and Ormerod, who have had to fight their way through.

"For players who have not had a chance in the Champions League, who have not had a chance in the big international games, this is their day to be champions and to be treated like a champion."

Strachan was part of the Manchester United team which won the FA Cup in 1985, when Norman Whiteside scored the winner in extra-time against Everton.

But Strachan said any Southampton player hoping for some inspirational memories of the occasion will be disappointed.

"I can't remember a thing about it," he said. "I've never watched the game.

"All I can remember is making an overlap round Norman Whiteside, running for about 40-50 yards and saying 'pass, pass, pass'.

"I was about to swear and shout and scream as he turned inside and then I thought 'oh, what a great goal'."