Chris Baird is gearing up for what he describes as the second cup final of his life.

The Northern Ireland defender was thrust into the limelight in 2003 when he was a shock inclusion in the Saints team that lost the FA Cup final 1-0 to Arsenal at the Millennium Stadium.

And now Baird feels this Sunday's St Mary's play-off decider with Southend is not that much different.

He said: "It's another cup final for us.

"That was an unbelievable day for me.

"It was my first appearance in the Cup and it was in the final.

"But this game is a cup final for everyone involved.

"If we do the right things I'm sure we can get the right result and get in those play-offs".

He added: "It's the biggest day in the club's future.

"Hopefully we can get that win to get in the play-offs and I'm sure we can do it.

"There's a big crowd and that's great.

"There's not been a sell-out since we got relegated and we appreciate the fans turning out for us, and we do need the support.

"I'm sure we can give the performance and get the right result to get in the play-off positions and take it from there".

Full interview in today's Saints-packed Daily Echo with five pages of Southend previews and four pages of coverage of Alan Ball's funeral.

Don't miss it!