ON-LOAN frontman Shane Long insisted it was “a strange one” to see Cherries and Saints drawn together in the FA Cup last eight.

The south coast neighbours are set to do battle at Vitality Stadium next month, with a trip to Wembley in the last four at stake.

Long, on loan at Cherries from Saints, is ineligible to feature in the contest – and admitted he would be “sitting on the fence” when the crunch showdown came around.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent about the draw, the 34-year-old said: “It was a strange one. Obviously it’s going to be weird for me.

“Obviously, I wish the best for Southampton, I’m still a Southampton player as well – but I am going to just be sitting on the fence for this one!

“I want the lads here (at Cherries) to do well. They are a good side and Southampton will recognise that as well and respect them because of that.

“I’m sitting on the fence and I’m not calling it.”