JO TESSEM knows he has a great chance to break back into Saints' starting line-up to face Arsenal on Saturday - but insisted: "It's not about me, we need to have 11 heroes to win the FA Cup."

The Norwegian impressed as a striker at Highbury last week when he scored and gave the Arsenal defence problems throughout.

Manager Gordon Strachan immediately indicated that he might have played his way into the Cup final team.

Tessem has been involved in a season-long battle with Brett Ormerod to decide who partners England international James Beattie in attack.

But with Ormerod also in good form following his man-of-the-match performance in the semifinal against Watford, Strachan may play Tessem in his more usual position in midfield.

Fabrice Fernandes has not been at his early-season best in recent months and could possibly drop out, although Chris Marsden is still not certain of playing due to a knee injury.

Whatever, Tessem is assured a place on the bench and likely to play a part at some point in Saturday's historic encounter.

The 31-year-old admits that it is the opportunity of a lifetime.

He said: "We have all watched the FA Cup on television and we are not coming to make up the numbers. We know we will not get too many chances like this in our careers and this is the big one.

"We are the underdogs, they are the favourites, but on the day we can win it. It will be a great day and we need to find 11 heroes.

"We need to be at our best. On the day, it is about the team and not individuals. We have done very well and we must believe in ourselves.

Everything is possible, we just have to work hard - that is the plan."

Tessem has played down talk of his possible selection on Saturday.

He added: "It is up to the manager because he picks the team but all I can do is my best and hope it is good enough.

"I would love to play in the FA Cup final. For every player it is a dream, even for those like me born abroad."

Tessem can play up front, in central midfield or on the right of midfield. He has scored twice in Saints' FA Cup run this season, against Tottenham in the 4-0 third round victory and then in the 2-0 defeat of Norwich at St Mary's in the fifth round.

With long-term injuries to Marian Pahars and Agustin Delgado, he has been used primarily as a substitute striker this campaign.

FOLLOW THE SAINTS WITH THE DAILY ECHO: FULL FINAL COVERAGE AND SPECIAL CUP SUPPLEMENT ON MONDAY