City striker Jermaine Beckford hopes to continue his love affair with the FA Cup on Saturday, as the Foxes host Swindon Town in the competition's fourth round.

And the summer signing from Everton says a run in the world's most famous cup competition could be just what Nigel Pearson's men need for the second half of their season to catch fire.

Beckford, 28, has a prolific record in the FA Cup, hitting 12 goals in 15 career appearances over the last five seasons, including some of the most memorable moments of his career.

He scored a winner for former club Leeds at the home of bitter rivals Manchester United in the third round two years ago, before scoring twice against Tottenham Hotspur in the following round.

And since joining City in the summer, he has continued in the same vein - hitting a hat-trick in last week's third round victory over local rivals Nottingham Forest.

"I don't treat the games any differently, but I have got some good memories in the competition," Beckford told lcfc.com.

Beckford steers home his 2010 winner at Old Trafford.

"The goal for Leeds at Old Trafford was obviously very special for me and for the Leeds fans and scoring twice at Tottenham the same year was brilliant.

"It's a great competition that means a lot to everyone and I a big win over local rivals will have meant a lot to the Leicester fans, I'm sure."

The victory over Forest certainly appeared to have a positive impact on the Foxes, who went on to record an impressive victory at promotion-chasing Southampton just six days after their Cup victory.

And Beckford hopes a sustained run in the competition can rub off on City's long-term league form, as they look to mount a challenge in the npower Championship.

"It might be just what we need," he said.

City players congratulate Beckford on his hat-trick against Forest in the third round.

"Climbing the league is obviously the priority for us, but if a little run in the cup helps to breed some confidence then it can only be a good thing.

"We've got a difficult game against Swindon in the next round and they're going well in their division, so we can't look too far beyond that, but cup runs can be great for the players and the fans."

Tickets for City's fourth round tie against Swindon Town in the FA Cup with Budweiser are still on sale from www.lcfcdirect.com and from the City Fanstore at King Power Stadium.