ALBION boss Chris Hughton would rather stay up than win the FA Cup.

Premier League safety is paramount for Hughton as the Seagulls await date and ticket details of next month’s quarter-final away to Manchester United.

Fellow quarter-finalists Wigan Athletic, now in League One, were relegated in the same season they won the Cup in 2012-13.

Staying up would beat winning FA Cup admits Albion boss Hughton

Hughton has no interest in emulating their double as Albion continue their fight for survival against fellow strugglers Swansea at the Amex tomorrow.

He told The Argus: “For me it’s quite obvious, it’s about making sure this club is a Premier League club next season.

“That’s the only way in the initial years you give yourselves a chance to develop at the highest level.

“The FA Cup is a wonderful trophy and we’re absolutely delighted to be in it, but the biggest priority for us is the Premier League.”

The task of avenging their defeat in the 1983 final by United has been made even more challenging for Albion by the absence of replays from the quarter-finals onwards.

Hughton said: “Of course, it does give the home team an advantage but the home team have an advantage anyway.

“I can understand the reasons why they do it and you go in (to the competition) knowing it’s going to be finished on the night.”