Mark Hughes is ready to embark on a quest for a record fifth FA Cup winners' medal with a third different club.

The Welsh warhorse returns from suspension on Monday night as Saints travel to Ipswich for a third-round tie in a competition which holds special memories for Hughes.

He was a Wembley winner with Manchester United in 1985, 1990 and 1994 and then helped Chelsea to take the trophy in 1997 to become the first player to get four winners' medals.

Now he has set his sights on becoming the first player to win the trophy with three different clubs.

He said: "The competition has been very kind to me in the past and I have a lot of great memories. I have been spoiled really.

"The third win was very special because it completed The Double for United and the fourth meant a lot because it was Chelsea's first Cup win for 27 years.

"I wasn't aware until afterwards that it was a record.

"The competition is renowned the world over and my appetite for it is as great as ever.

"I am always aware it could be my last crack at it although I would hope to have another go with Saints next year.

"I would love to think I could make it five but Ipswich will be a very tough task. They are a very good side with a lot of quality players."

The tie brings Welsh manager Hughes into direct conflict with David Johnson, the Ipswich striker who pledged his international future to Wales before abruptly switching allegiance to Scotland.

Johnson was lined up to play for Wales against Switzerland but picked up a mysterious ankle injury. Two days later he committed himself to Scotland only to discover a gentleman's agreement between the Home Coun-tries limits him to playing for England or his native Jamaica.

Hughes bristled at the mention of Johnson who still has his Welsh blazer and who is expected to shake off a dead leg in time to face Saints.

But the Welsh boss showed he is rapidly learning the art of managerial diplomacy, saying only: "I was aware that he was not absolutely convinced about coming with us, so I think he did the right thing!"

However the steely look in his former manager's eye suggests Johnson may do well to avoid any 50-50 challenges!

Saints will do a late fitness check on Hassan Kachloul, who missed training yesterday with a back injury but Marian Pahars has recovered from a dead leg.

Trond Soltvedt expects to be fit after missing the clash against Coventry with a knee injury and goalkeeper Paul Jones has experienced no further problems with his troublesome knee.

Ipswich will draft in Fabian Wilnis at right wing-back in place of Gary Croft, who was jailed for four months yesterday for driving while disqualified and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.