TWO desperately disappointing near-misses have fired Kevin Davies' determination to go all the way in the FA Cup.

He might be honed from Sheffield steel but even he has been scarred after being robbed of appearances in two finals.

At the tender age of 17, Davies was a member of the Chesterfield side that reached the semi-final of 1997, famously scoring a hat-trick against Wanderers at Burnden Park in the third round, only to lose controversially to Middlesbrough as referee David Elleray disallowed a legitimate goal that would have put them into the final.

And, although considerably more mature, he suffered the double disappointment of not only being left out of the Southampton squad that took on Arsenal in the 2003 final, but had to sit and watch from the sidelines knowing he would never play for the club again.

That, he admits, was the low point of his career but, after being suitably rehabilitated, he is back on the FA Cup trail with Wanderers and more determined than ever to succeed in the competition.

"I've had a couple of near-misses and it's hard to take," Davies said, preparing for Saturday's Reebok showdown with Arsenal.

"Every English player wants to play in an FA Cup Final and I missed out twice.

"Now I'm in a great position again and enjoying it. We wanted a home tie and we've got it and, okay, it's against Arsenal and it's going to be difficult, but we'll give it a right good go.'

Davies saw Arsenal struggle to beat Sheffield United in a fifth round replay that went to a penalty shoot-out and sees no reason to fear the Gunners, whatever team Arsene Wenger selects.

"I was down at Bramall Lane for the replay and I feel we can beat them,' he said.

"We're not too fussed who they play. On the day it's going to be about what we do, whatever team they put out.

We're at home so it's going to be about how we attack the game.

"We got to a cup final last year and from the gaffer right through to everyone here, we want to go there again.'