George Burley has insisted form counts for nothing as Saints head into a play-off semi-final against his former club Derby.

Burley, who will be contesting play-offs for the sixth time, was Derby boss when they missed out on a return to the top flight in 2005.

Saints go into the semi-final first leg at St Mary's on Saturday on the back of five wins in their last seven games.

Derby have won three times in their corresponding seven fixtures. But Burley's play-off experience has taught him those sort of stats are meaningless.

He said: "I don't think form counts for anything. They are one-off type of games and you need a bit of luck and need to be at your best if you're going to get to the final.

Though Burley has reached five previous play-off semi-finals in the Championship, only once has he progressed to the final - in 2000 when an Ipswich side containing Jermaine Wright defeated Barnsley 4-2 at Wembley.

He believes the outcome of the two-legged tie is too close to call.

"Derby beat us at home, where we should have taken one of our numerous chances. But we know Derby are strong and we'll have to take the opportunities that come along this time.

"I don't think it will be won or lost in the first game."