THERE will be an immense amount of passion at Southampton FC's St Mary's stadium today when Saints take on Sheffield United.

On what is bound to be a highly emotional day, Saints know even a victory might not be enough to keep them in the Championship.

But once tomorrow's game is over, another game promising stacks of passion will be played at St Mary's on Thursday, May 15 in memory of one of Southampton's - and England's - best-loved football icons.

Teams of former England and Scotland internationals will clash in the city in a memorial game for ex-Saints midfielder and manager Alan Ball.

The youngest member of England's 1966 World Cup squad, Ball died of a heart attack at his Warsash home in April 2007, aged just 61.

Former Merseyside midfield rivals Peter Reid and Graeme Souness will manage their respective countries - and they are promising a memorable encounter.

"Any sporting events between England and Scotland are big occasions," said Reid.

"It is going to be a very enjoyable but very competitive game.

"England very much want to win the game for Alan and will give it everything we've got."

Former Saints boss Souness added: "Peter is 100 per cent correct. Whenever we play England there is enormous rivalry.

"I had the honour of playing against Alan and he was rightly one of English football's best-loved sons, one of your greatest players. For that reason I am delighted to be involved.

"It will be competitive and while we can all sit here and say we are all pals, on the day that will change."

Reid recalled: "I remember an England v Scotland game at Wembley and I tackled Steve Nicol. Immediately after, I saw a blue flash coming towards me with six studs showing that smashed me on the knee - it was Graeme. So I know his players are going to be fully motivated."

Ex-England skipper Bryan Robson will again lead England out.

"It is great we're playing this game in honour of Alan Ball - a terrific man and a terrific player. I am sure that it will be competitive and entertaining.

"I played against him and Alan Ball was, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the great English midfield players.

"People remember the World Cup in 1966, but he wasn't even in his prime. From there he went on to become an outstanding player.

"There will be people at this match that only remember the name Alan Ball but I am lucky enough to remember the player - and quite some player he was."

Already confirmed in the England squad are Chris Woods, Graham Le Saux, Paul Parker, Nigel Winterburn, Mark Wright, Des Walker, Bryan Robson, Paul Merson, Ray Parlour, Lee Sharpe, Stan Collymore and Les Ferdinand.

There are six more names to come, and Reid has revealed he will be asking ex-Saints star Alan Shearer if he can play.

"We might need another frontman. I don't think Lineker's available, but I'm going to give Alan Shearer a call, especially as the game is down in Southampton. I'll keep my fingers crossed."

Bryan Gunn, John Wark, Matt Elliott, Richard Gough, Dave McPherson, Tom Boyd, John Collins, Kevin Gallacher, Tosh McKinlay, Darren Jackson, Gordon Durie and Billy Dodds are confirmed members of the Scotland squad.

Tickets for The Alan Ball Memorial Cup are available from St Mary's on 0800 2800 050, Ticket-master on 0870 534 4444 or at ticketmaster.co.uk.