ALBION boss Chris Hughton insists he still respects the FA Cup.

Hughton and Roy Hodgson, manager of arch-rivals Crystal Palace, have both indicated they will make use of their squads in tonight’s third round showdown at the Amex (7.45).

Hughton is unrepentant about prioritising Premier League safety but still values the competition he won twice as a player with Spurs.

He said: “It is the way that the game has changed. There is even more pressure on managers and clubs to stay in a division because of the financial rewards than there ever has been.

“I don’t think there is anyone you will speak to that will still devalue the FA Cup. So in our minds the FA Cup is still the trophy.

“But also, generally there are still only a few teams that have the capability of going all the way and winning it and that has been shown in whatever years you want to mention.

“But it doesn’t take away the thoughts we have of the FA Cup. I don’t think there will be a manager, whatever team they put out, that doesn’t want to go through.

“I know the FA Cup very well and it has been very kind to me also.

“So I have massively fond memories of the FA Cup, and I know what it means to this club, and that won’t change, or what it means to players.

“Come Monday night every player that plays knows that they are playing in a big FA Cup tie. So the desire won’t change.

“Some of the dynamics around the Cup and the League and the way the game is at the moment have changed but the feeling on Saturday afternoon or Monday night for a big FA Cup tie won’t ever change.”

Albion launched their run to the final 35 years ago today with a 1-1 draw at home to Newcastle. Losing to Manchester United in a Wembley replay coincided with relegation and Hughton has no desire to complete the odd double again.

“No, and that’s where the dynamics have changed,” he said. “Many years ago an FA Cup tie would have exactly the same players if a team had a league game the week before. There would be no changes.

“That is not the norm these days, and you will see Championship teams making wholesale changes.

“It is just a change that we have and a reliance on protecting what you have, making sure you can compete and stay in the division you are in.”