Southampton's Russell Martin explains gratitude for supporters

The St Mary's side beat West Brom 3-1 in front of their own supporters to line up a contest with Leeds United at Wembley.

An Adam Armstrong brace added to Will Smallbone's opener before Cedric Kipre headed in with one of the last touches. 

Unprecedented scenes welcomed Saints to St Mary's ahead of the match as thousands packed the streets with pyro.

Speaking after the victory, following a 0-0 draw in the first leg, Martin said: 'I'm really grateful to the players and fans and I'm really proud.

Saints fans welcome the side to St Mary's (Image: Stuart Martin)

"It was a tough game against such a good opponent. Brilliant coach, brilliant manager, Carlos Corberan.

"We knew it was going to be difficult. I loved the energy of the team, the welcome from the fans when we came in. I've not seen anything like that.

"They were amazing, they really played their part tonight so I'm really grateful to the supporters for that. Honestly, it was incredible.

"A lot of emotional people on the bus seeing that on the way in and that set the tone really. It made the team talk really easy."

Martin added: "They showed so much courage to play football in the way we played. They were, honestly, at times, really brilliant and beautiful.

"In the second half, I think we got better as the game went on and I think we deserve to win tonight on the performance.

"Now the challenge again is to do that on the biggest stage and to bring that courage and aggression and be the team we want to be." 

Martin added: "The fans were incredible but we have a chance to have the biggest and best, even better moment next week.

"So we have to make sure that's the case. Once the whistle goes it's so much easier.  It's all the stuff before and not knowing what's to come.

Saints fans celebrate on the pitch at full-time (Image: Stuart Martin)

"From the first five or 10 minutes I just liked our team. I could see the boys were there. We spoke about trying to get into flow as quickly as possible.

"They did that and they found some rhythm, but we're playing against a really good opponent so it's tough to break down.

"There were some bits that we needed to work on at half-time to really help the team. They still have to go and carry it out and they were amazing.

"It was a tough game but we got there and we were patient. As I said, we got stronger and stronger so it was good."