Saints boss Gordon Strachan has admitted he is grateful to Dave Jones for laying the foundations of his team.

During his time at The Dell, Jones brought in the likes of Paul Jones, Chris Marsden, Marian Pahars and James Beattie and brought Wayne Bridge into the first team as a left back.

So when the two managers come head-to-head at St Mary's in tomorrow's FA Cup quarter-final clash, there will be plenty of mutual respect for what the other has achieved.

Strachan said: "Dave Jones is held in high esteem at Southampton by players, staff, everyone, so he has absolutely nothing to prove. I do not think anyone here has a bad word to say about him - I would hope not.

"I am lucky that he left me so many good players. You only have to look at those he signed - the likes of Marian Pahars, Chris Marsden, Paul Jones and James Beattie. That was good management. He also nurtured Wayne Bridge, and look how far he has come.

"I am sure Dave will be given a great reception when he comes back. Life is good for him at the moment. He could do with a little hiccup and hopefully that will come in this game!"

But the bad news for the Saints boss is that he will have to wait until the last minute to pick his team due to injury worries.

Anders Svensson's ankle is still sore after he was forced to limp off during last week's 1-0 win against West Brom and Strachan said it will be left until the very last minute before deciding whether the Swedish midfielder is fit to play.

If he misses the game it would leave a hole in the centre of midfield with Rory Delap injured and David Prutton cup-tied.

That could mean Marsden partnering Matt Oakley in the centre of midfield with Danny Higginbotham at left-back and Bridge left midfield or Jason Dodd starting at right-back and Paul Tefler moving into the middle of the park.

There is also the option of playing the versatile Jo Tessem through the middle.

But as well as Svensson, Strachan yesterday admitted there "one or two" other injury doubts but refused to name them or how serious their problems were.

The Saints boss also revealed they have been doing their homework on Wolves and are as prepared as they possibly can be.

"I watched them last Tuesday and their strengths just now are their confidence and that they can score goals at the moment - they have also got experience in their team," said Strachan.

"When I saw them they played with one wide man and one tucked in on the other side and they have Kenny Miller who has done very well.

"I have known about him since I saw him play in Scotland at Hibs and he is on fire at the moment and he will probably go on and get himself another couple of Scotland caps very soon.

"But they also have Dean Sturridge, who is always capable of getting goals."