I'M really looking forward to standing shoulder to shoulder with tens of thousands of supporters tomorrow, hopefully, roaring the lads onto victory.

From the start of the season, promotion has been the aim. Even before the club appointed Russell Martin, Sport Republic outlined that a return to the Premier League was their ambition. 

Russell shared a similar message in one of his first interviews, explaining that he wants to take the club "back to where they belong."

Now we have the chance to do that. One game is all that separates Saints from turning a brilliant season into a successful one.

There has been so many positives throughout this campaign - the best example of that being setting a new club record 25-game unbeaten run. The new style of play has been great too.

But all that matters now is winning. We have seen cup finals in the past that haven't been the best spectacle or the most entertaining of affairs.

I have the feeling that this could be a real classic because neither manager is the type to shy away from their principles of attacking football.

From the player's perspective, it will be about approaching this game the same way that we have approached every other game. There isn't a need to do anything differently.

Daily Echo: Franny Benali in action against Manchester UnitedFranny Benali in action against Manchester United

I'm sure the players will be well aware that they need to stay calm, despite the immense pressure of the occasion, to ensure they are in a position to win a game of football.

Naturally, the game will have a different feel. It's being played at Wembley, where most players will have never played before.

The players are bound to be feeling butterflies during the build-up to the game, but they will also be counting down the minutes until kick-off, raring to go.

That's how I was as a player. I used to feel those emotions before any game. As long as it doesn't affect you in a negative way, having nerves can help you in a positive manner. 

Not many things can prepare a player or a supporter for a day like Sunday. Both teams are strong, but it comes down to who delivers their best performance on the day.

I played at the old Wembley Stadium but was unfortunately on the losing side. I was also a part of the squad that lost to Arsenal in Cardiff in 2003.

The memories of not getting my hands on the trophy would serve as a motivation to correct that.

We have a few players in the squad who have suffered similar defeats - hopefully, they feel the same way now that they have the opportunity again.

I won't be wearing those lucky socks I wore when we beat Preston 3-0, they blew their chance at Cardiff when I donned them for the second time.

It'll be a new outfit for me and hopefully, that will bring new luck at Wembley. Sunday also happens to be my daughter Kenzie's birthday. 

Friday's win over West Brom coincided with the birth of her daughter. There was a family connection to the victory last week and I hope that can be repeated tomorrow.

This week also saw Flynn Downes voted as your Daily Echo player of the year. Although I think Saints have several candidates who could have won the award, Flynn is a worthy winner.

We are a totally different side when he plays and it's great to see that a player who plays his role is getting the recognition they deserve.

In years gone by, attackers are the ones who get all the plaudits, but Flynn's importance to the team is so clear to see.

With this being a one-off game right at the end of the season, some players will naturally be heading into it with knocks.

We all know about Che Adams and Ross Stewart's fitness issues during the playoff games against West Brom. Russell has said they are both fit for tomorrow which is brilliant news.

Daily Echo: Franny Benali thinks Che Adams could be huge for Saints at WembleyFranny Benali thinks Che Adams could be huge for Saints at Wembley (Image: Stuart Martin)

With there being no more games after this, there isn't the need to manage a player's fitness as much.

Any player going into the last game of the season who is carrying something will be doing whatever they can to give themselves a chance to be an asset on the day.

I can't shake the idea of Ross Stewart scoring in the final. His record in the playoffs is remarkable.

In his nine playoff appearances across Scotland and England, he has scored six goals - including one at Wembley for Sunderland.

I have full confidence that Saints can win the game inside regular time. I hadn't thought about the potential of penalties until this point - if we reach that, then I don't think I will be able to look.

That could quite possibly be the most on-edge 10 minutes I've ever experienced in football. Fingers crossed we won't need that.

I'd bite your hand off for a 1-0 win courtesy of an own goal. Come on you Saints!