THE man who scored Saints’ last goal in a major final admits getting to Wembley means nothing if you lose.

Nick Holmes’ late volley in the 1979 League Cup final was soon followed by crushing disappointment as Saints lost 3-2 against Nottingham Forest, writes Simon Walter.

Forty-one years on, he is backing the class of 2017 to go one better by emulating their 1976 FA Cup final success against Manchester United.

“They were absolutely superb over the two legs against Liverpool, apart from a couple of little scares in the second half we out-played them,” said Holmes.

“But when you go to Wembley it’s all about winning the game so I was pleased to hear the manager say exactly that after the win at Anfield.

“Having won the FA Cup at Wembley a few years earlier, losing in ‘79 was the worst I’ve ever felt.

“It was one of those Suicide Sundays you sometimes get in football.”

Holmes, 62, is optimistic about Saints’ chances at Wembley.

“I went to the win against Leicester last Sunday and thought we were very good then as well,” he said.

“People say Leicester aren’t very good this season and they said the same about Liverpool but you can’t do any more than beat what’s put in front of you.

“It’s a shame Saints don’t get more credit. Leicester are still decent, they wouldn’t have done as well as they’ve done in the Champions League if they weren’t.

“Taking a decent percentage of our chances has been a problem all year, but defensively we’re as good as anyone despite having had problems with injuries all season.

“It was wonderful for the kid [Jack Stephens]. No-one wanted [Virgil] Van Dijk injured but he handled it. He’s played [Under-21] international football so was clearly ready for it. “Maya [Yoshida] was excellent too.

“We defended very well as a team. Jim Steele and Malcolm Waldron were a bit more exposed in ‘79 as they didn’t have a defensive midfielder like Oriol Romeu in front of them.

“Romeu’s been our most consistent player all season alongside Van Dijk. He’s done a terrific job sheltering the central defenders.

“He looks as sharp as a needle, his feet move exceptionally quickly and it was another excellent performance from him.

“He reads the game ever so well and always seems to get to the ball first. It was the same on Sunday.

“I’ve got to say Nathan Redmond and Dusan Tadic did their fair share of defensive duties too.”

Holmes was at Wembley for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final in 2010 and hopes to be back there on February 26.

“Now that Puel has seen how much it means to the fans and the players to get to Wembley, it will be interesting to see if he plays his best XI against Arsenal on Saturday,” he added.