THE race is on to find a "lucky" Saints mirror which has been stolen from a Southampton shop.

Staff at The Football Shop in Northam are desperate to get the cherished 1976 souvenir back in time for Saints' FA Cup final on Saturday.

Smash-and-grab raiders stole the wooden-framed mirror from the shop window last week - just days before the big game.

The mirror, which marks Saints' 1976 FA Cup final victory, was viewed as a good luck charm.

Police said the owner, a long-standing Southampton FC

supporter, visited the shop before each cup tie and

would touch the mirror for good luck.

The man, who has not been named, bought the rare mirror some time ago but wanted it left on display until the final so it could be viewed by fans.

Shop owner Jim Chamberlain has launched an appeal to get the mirror returned.

Mr Chamberlain said: "This has caused an awful lot of bad feeling as the mirror was considered a talisman.

"The theft is an insult to the city of Southampton and the team. Everyone has been trying to create a party atmosphere, and this has spoilt the feel-good factor."

The mirror, measuring 24in by 27in and featuring the names of the 1976 cup-winning squad, was stolen in a raid at Old Northam Road between 6pm and midnight last Tuesday.

PC Mike Florit of Southampton Central police said: "The owner is devastated by the loss of his prized possession.

"It is very much a lucky talisman, and he desperately wants it back before Saturday. All the traders in St Mary's are keeping a lookout and we urge everybody in the area to be on the lookout too.

"Anyone who has been offered one for sale or has recently come into possession of such a mirror should call us as soon as possible so that we can reunite it with its rightful owner."

Anyone with information should contact Southampton Central police on 0845 045 4545, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.