WATFORD'S veteran goalkeeper Alec Chamberlain is preparing for one of the biggest games of his career after over 20 years as a professional footballer.

And he admits he will be in for a rough ride against a Burnley side firing on all cyclinders.

The 38-year-old shot-stopper has nearly 800 league and cup games to his credit since making his debut for Colchester United in 1982.

However, as Chamberlain prepares for the Hornets' home FA Cup quarter-final tie against Burnley, he is entering new territory.

He has never before been involved in an FA Cup run that has reached the last eight.

"If someone had said to me at Christmas that within two-and-a-half months I'd be two games away from playing in an FA Cup Final, I'd have laughed out loud.

"For me, getting past the third round has always been a cup run until now.

"I thought my chance had long since passed me by. But here we are, through to the FA Cup quarter-finals and we've got a home draw for good measure.

"I must admit, I have allowed myself to daydream a little since we beat Sunderland in the last round," he added.

Sunderland, one of Chamberlain's former clubs, became the second Premiership side after West Brom in the fourth round to fall at the hands of Watford.

And now it is home advantage in the quarter-finals against a fellow First Division club.

"I've got a lot of respect for Burnley," he admitted.

"They're a strong side and they looked very impressive when they beat Fulham in their replay last week.

"But we're a good side too and on our day we're capable of beating anyone in this league.

"We've got home advantage, there's going to be a full house and a fantastic atmosphere and we're all aware of the rewards of going further in the competion. "