SAINTS players are excited to see supporters finally return to St Mary's tomorrow evening after five long months away.

A limited number of fans were permitted for two home matches in December, when Saints beat Sheffield United before losing to Manchester City.

But after tighter coronavirus restrictions were subsequently introduced, no supporters have been allowed in to St Mary's since.

That will all change tomorrow night, with 8,000 permitted for the visit of Leeds United, Saints' final home game of the season.

"Obviously it will be huge to have the fans back in," goalkeeper Fraser Forster told the Daily Echo.

"It will be fantastic. It’s been a long season so having the fans back will be great and hopefully we can put in a good performance for them in that game."

Nathan Tella notched his first senior Saints goal in front of the empty St Mary's stands on Saturday, in a 3-1 win over Fulham.

Looking ahead to the prospect of adding to his tally with supporters in attendance on Tuesday night, Tella said: "If I can get another goal it would be a great feeling.

"I’m just happy that the fans are going to be back, because they're massive. Bring on Tuesday!"