MIDFIELDER Flynn Downes is hoping Saints supporters can be the "extra player" during their Championship playoff semi-final against West Brom on Friday evening.

Both sides are locked at 0-0 heading into the second leg with a spot in the final at Wembley up for grabs.

Southampton fans have been encouraged to get to St Mary's early to greet the team bus' arrival with a wall of red and white. The squad will be arriving at approximately 6:15.

West Brom's supporters created a tough atmosphere inside The Hawthorns on Sunday, encouraging their team to fly out of the games early on.

Baggies boss Carlos Corberan claimed that their vocal support helped his side avoid defeat.

Downes is hoping Southampton fans will replicate the home enthusiasm that was seen in the first fixture.

Asked about the importance of playing in front of a raucous St Mary's crowd, he said: "Everybody says it, it's like having an extra player on there at times.

"I don't know how or I don't know why, but when you have the crowd behind you, it gives you that extra bit.

"West Brom had that in the home leg and we weathered it. Hopefully, we can get that in the home leg on Friday.

"That game is a final and it's at home, we will take it. We will take the clean sheet from the first leg and take it."