Southampton boss Martin expects an exciting clash at Leeds for the promotion final

Southampton boss Russell Martin is expecting an exciting promotion play-off final against Leeds United.

Saints reached the final after victory over West Brom in midweek.

Martin said: “I think it’s going to be a really top-flight game of football.

“It’s going to be one we’re really looking forward to and you’ll also feel a lot of butterflies and nerves throughout the week.

“We have to get it right with the players and the staff. The players deserve it.

“They deserve this opportunity because of how brave they were, how much belief and understanding they now have and what they’re doing, how much they stuck with it even when it was a little bit bumpy at times.

“I said from day one it wasn’t going to be easy to change a style of play and a culture and a club that had a tough, tough year the year before.

“They deserved the opportunity, they earned it.

“They’ve earned every bit of it and now they have to make the most of it. Tonight was a beautiful moment for us.

“We’ve had so many here this season. The fans have been incredible, but we’ve got a chance to have a better time next week. So we’ve got to make sure that’s the case.”