HAVING appeared in four FA Cup finals David James can speak with a certain amount of authority on what it takes to advance beyond the last four.

You should, therefore, take note when the former Watford goalkeeper says the Hornets have all the qualities required to overcome Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday.

James, who made 98 appearances for Watford between 1988 and 1992, has implored Quique Sanchez Flores’ side to enjoy what could prove to be an historic day for the club.

“Just enjoy it, play your game and bias aside I think a flying Watford side is going to be better than Crystal Palace at their best,” BT Sport Pundit James said.

“They have a great chance to go and win the semi-final and get to the final. The semi-final is a wonderful occasion and Wembley is going to be split half and half with Watford and Palace fans.

“I think Quique Sanchez Flores will have this one nailed with regards to the preparation and I can’t see Watford not winning.”

James’ quartet of appearances in football’s oldest cup competition have yielded just one winners medal after he helped Portsmouth to an unlikely triumph in 2008.

The sands of time have allowed England’s former number one to look back on each of his cup finals with pride, and he values them among his best memories in the game, regardless of the results.

When prompted to reminisce on his time at Watford the FA Cup again rears its head in a story which provides a fascinating insight into the life of an apprentice footballer in the 1980’s.

James explains: “I love the FA Cup, I absolutely love it. I remember being 16-years-old as a first year apprentice at Watford in 1987 and I was asked to take my kit to Villa Park for the semi-final against Tottenham.

“I had my bag, my kit, my boots and my gloves and I travelled up on a supporter’s bus with fans to Villa Park to wait and find out if I had to go in the changing room.

“Obviously Gary Plumley ended up playing and Watford lost 4-1, but it is one of my abiding memories of my time at Watford before getting into the first team.”

Returning to the present day, James says he sees many qualities which remind him of the club he grew up at and learnt many of his earliest footballing lessons with. He is also impressed by the work of Flores.

The 45-year-old speaks glowingly about the Spanish boss’ impact since arriving at Vicarage Road last June, and feels his experience of cup finals will serve Watford well.

“I think that generally the experience which Quique has brought to Watford is important for them. They have looked, for most of the Premier league season, very competent,” James said.

“He has done exactly what he was brought in to do [keep Watford in the Premier League] and done it very well.”

Perhaps one of the biggest conundrums facing Flores is whether to continue with Costel Pantilimon in goal at Wembley.

The Romanian has played in the Hornets last three FA Cup matches and Flores is expected to persist with him on Sunday.

James sees no issue with the rotation as long as both Pantilimon and regular number one Heurelho Gomes are aware of their respective roles.

He said: “As long as it [the rotation] is constant I don’t see a problem with it because everyone would know what is going to happen and the team can build from there.

“Those sort of consistencies allow people to not worry about things, but if there is ever a question mark over changes then it causes a little bit of insecurity in the changing room.

“That is exactly what you do not want coming into a game like this.”

Sunday’s semi-final will give Watford the chance to return to the FA Cup Final for the first time since 1984 where they lost 2-0 to Everton.

That match saw Andy Gray score a decisive goal in controversial fashion as he headed home from close-range, despite the cross arguably already being in Watford goalkeeper Steve Sherwood’s hands.

The contentious goal has stuck with James, and while he accepts Watford must first focus on winning their semi-final, he can’t help but relish the idea of the Hornets getting revenge some 32 years later.

He said: “I am secretly hoping Everton beat Man United on Saturday so Watford can get their own back for 1984.

“There would be a tinge of irony if Troy Deeney was to head the ball out of [Joel] Robles’ hands to score in the final.”

BT Sport is your home of unmissable live football. Watch Watford v Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-final exclusively live on BT Sport 2 from 3pm on Sunday.