Tim Flowers is tipping Saints for automatic promotion from the Championship - after knocking George Burley's side out of the FA Cup.

Now goalkeeper coach of Manchester City, Flowers believes his former employers present a stiff test in the fourth round tie at Eastlands on Sunday.

He said: ''I was there for eight seasons and thoroughly enjoyed my time.

''It's a fantastic club with good people and it's great to see them pushing in the right direction. They are in the play-off positions but I think that they will go up automatically this year.

''Their squad's strong, they have goal scorers and it is going to be a very tough game for us".

Flowers was between the posts for Saints when they knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford after a penalty shoot-out 15 years ago.

''It was a great game for us, victories at big grounds were few and far between at Southampton," he recalled.

''We were more used to scrapping away and trying to ensure survival. I learned so much there but then got a terrific move to Blackburn".

City knocked out Saints' Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday in the last round and Flowers added: ''This club's crying out for a cup run.

''There are already a few Premiership sides out and with three all-top flight ties this weekend, nearly half the division could be eliminated after Sunday.

''When you look at it like that, let's be positive and go out on the front foot. It's a home draw, so to go out in front of our own supporters is also a big plus for us.''