FOOTBALL without fans is nothing – those were the famous words of Jock Stein, echoed by Moi Elyounoussi after Saints were forced to play in front of an empty stadium.

Welsh Government laws mean that Welsh clubs must play behind closed doors, prompting Saints’ trip to Swansea in the FA Cup to be played in a relatively soulless atmosphere.

The introduction of Elyounoussi and Shane Long from the bench eventually paid off for the Hampshire side, with the pair picking up a goal apiece in extra-time to send their side through to the next round, winning 3-2.

When asked if it was hard to return to having no supporters in the ground, Elyounoussi told the Daily Echo: “To be honest, football without fans is boring.

“It’s not the same. Even after I scored, it was so quiet.

“You don’t get that adrenaline, the rush. It is what it is.”

Despite lacking the vocal support of the Saints faithful in the stadium, Hasenhuttl’s men battled on to secure a place in the fourth round despite going down to 10 men.

Elyounoussi stated that advancing was Saints’ only focus during the game.

“We had a very professional game (against Swansea),” continued the Norwegian international.

“The main part was to get through, if there are no fans there isn’t anything we can do about it.”

Saints fans will certainly be in their droves on Tuesday night, as they watch their side host Brentford at St Mary’s (7.45pm).