Saints have to 'suffer' to beat Man City - Eckert

Tonda Eckert's side knocked out Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals [Getty Images]

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert said that his side had to "stay calm" during periods of the FA Cup semi-final when opponents Manchester City have the ball.

The Saints step away from their promotion-chasing campaign in the Championship on Saturday as they attempt to make it to the FA Cup final 50 years after they won the competition in 1976.

Eckert's side are unbeaten in their past 20 matches and have beaten two Premier League sides in Fulham and Arsenal on the way to the last four.

Although confidence within the group will be sky-high going into the tie, Eckert admitted that the task at Wembley will be as tough as they come.

"We will have some periods where we will have to suffer," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"You have to accept that there will be some moments where we will not touch the ball and we have to stay calm in those moments.

"If you see where City score most of their goals, they come from within the width of the six- and 18-yard box. There might be some moments where we have to defend inside the box and be very clear on how to do that.

"On the other hand it comes down to chances. We will definitely have some transition moments, and we need to be crucial on the ones they give to us as they won't be too many [in number].

"You can't rely on just defending in these games, you have to find another gear, give energy where we do have the ball and have spells in possession. We did this well against Arsenal and that will be key on Saturday."

You can follow all the build-up and action on Saturday, live on the BBC Sport website and app or watch the game on BBC One.

BBC Radio Solent have full commentary of the tie and will be on air from 10:00 BST until 20:00 BST.