SAINTS LEGEND Alan Ball has pulled no punches in thrashing out his message to Harry Redknapp's players ahead of their high noon showdown with Pompey at Fratton Park tomorrow: If you can't handle the heat, get out of the kitchen.

Ball believes there has never been a bigger south coast derby and warned Saints that defeat by their bitter rivals could spell the end of a treasured 28-year run in the Premiership.

The World Cup winner believes Saints have it in them to beat Pompey and stay up, but only by showing pride and charachter - and accepting responsibility for protecting the club's proud history.

Ball managed both Saints and Pompey and knows his words will increase the pressure on the players stepping out in a cauldron of hate as Redknapp returns to the club he quit before Christmas, only to turn up at St Mary's two weeks later.

But, unapologetic, he said: "It's the players' responsibility to protect 28 years of hard work.

"That burden rests on their shoulders and, if they don't know it, they shouldn't be playing."

"Of course, if West Brom win today, it will take them four points clear of Saints, and they've got their game in hand at home to Blackburn coming up on Tuesday, so I can't think of a south coast derby that has ever been as big as this one.

"For Saints, it is incredibly crucial - time is running out - and Pompey would love nothing more than to send them down.

"These games are about pride and you rarely see a classic match, but that could suit Saints if they show the right character."

For the full Alan Ball interview - don't miss tonight's Pink.