Saints boss Gordon Strachan said his players have been "completely oblivious" to the hype surrounding their FA Cup semi-final next week.

Strachan's men drew 1-1 with West Ham at St Mary's - their last game before they face Watford at Villa Park next Sunday for a place in the FA Cup final.

But Strachan insisted that thoughts of that game - the 90 minutes that stand between Saints and possibly their greatest day since 1976 - were not a factor on Saturday.

"They have been completely oblivious to it over the last week," he said.

"We started the game excellently and West Ham were on the back foot until Les Ferdinand got his head injury."

He added: "We will prepare for the semi-final in the same way because we want to play the same way.

"Some of the lads need to have a rest, the ones who have been on international duty."

After a terrible run of form, Watford bounced back in dramatic fashion on Saturday with an amazing 7-4 drubbing of Burnley at Turf Moor.

But Strachan said: "What Watford did this weekend has no concern for me.

"When we play against them it won't be against their history and the past, it's about the future."

Strachan added: "I can think about it (the semi final) now.

"There is an excitement about the town and I'm enjoying everybody else getting excited.

"I am pleased people enjoy it, the fans and players. They've worked hard all season to get there."

Speaking of Saturday's game Strachan, whose side are now undefeated in five league and cup matches, commented: "You could say they upped it a bit, it depends what you're looking for.

"They upped it but I'd say our ability to pass the ball wasn't as good in the second half as it has been for most of the season.

"And whatever tactics you play, the ability to pass the ball is needed.

"We're disappointed we didn't make the most of our counter attack opportunities.

"They were taking chances but our ability to use the ball on the counter attack wasn't good, and that was the main problem in the second half.

"But I think if anybody wondered about us playing for the semi-final then Beatts' goal shows we weren't.

"Anything could have happened but he was brave and that summed it up.

"We put a lot of tackles in and gave it our best shot."

Beattie appeared to be hobbling at the end of the game, along with a couple of other players, but Strachan reported: "He had cramp at the end but he has been running himself into the ground for the last nine months.

"We have one or two bruises because it was quite physical out there at times, but they should all be fine for next Sunday."