James McArthur reckons the love for the FA Cup is not dying out, but it is still just another game.

The Crystal Palace midfielder, who returned to action at Manchester United after injuring ankle ligaments in February, is hoping to take his place in the squad that take on Watford in Sunday’s semi-final.

He and his team-mates will know who awaits them in the final by then as Everton and Manchester United do battle on Saturday.

It is a third semi-final appearance in four seasons for McArthur after the Scot turned out for Wigan Athletic in 2013 and 2014.

His first appearance ended in a win over Millwall and a famous final win over Manchester City – however, second time round there would be disappointment after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Arsenal deprived the Latics of a chance to defend their crown in the final.

Your Local Guardian:

Memories: James McArthur was an FA Cup winner in 2013 with Wigan Athletic

But McArthur is not thinking of the bad times, just the good and the chance of picking up another winners’ medal.

“To have the chance to win a second is big,” he said.

FA CUP: Playing at Wembley is special, but we still have a job to do, says Crystal Palace midfield ace

FA CUP blog: It’s time for Crystal Palace to finally go and get the ‘one that got away’

“A lot of people say the love for the FA Cup is dying, but I totally disagree.

“It is such a special competition and something like 800 million people were watching throughout the world when we [Wigan] played.

FA CUP: Crystal Palace rock would play through any Wembley pain, says Pardew

FA CUP: Reaching final would be ‘my best moment in England’, says Crystal Palace striker Emmanuel Adebayor

“I hope the rest of the boys get to experience what I did with Wigan.”

The 28-year-old added: “I’m just hoping and praying that we turn up on the day and do everything right.

“We will prepare for it as we do any other game, we won’t make it too much of a big game.

“The press will build it up enough, but if we treat it like any other game we have a really good chance.”

Your Local Guardian: