Southampton's Martin on facing Leeds United in Championship playoff

The St Mary's side will take on the Elland Road outfit at Wembley on Sunday, May 26, in the final game of the English domestic schedule.

One final place in next season's Premier League is up for grabs with either third or fourth place in the Championship set to seal it.

It will be a match steeped in narrative, with no love lost between Leeds boss Daniel Farke and Martin after a sour end to his Norwich career, where Martin won the playoffs as captain, under the German in 2018.

Asked what he thinks of facing Leeds in the final, Martin insisted: "I think it's going to be a really top game of football.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke celebrates their comfortable win over Norwich (Image: PA)

"It's going to be one to look forward to and to also feel a lot of butterflies and nerves throughout the week.

"We have to manage that with the players and staff. The players deserve that. They deserve the opportunity because of how brave they've been.

"They have so much belief and understanding in what they're doing, they've stuck with it even when it's been a bit bumpy at times." 

Martin continued: "I said that from day one, it wasn't going to be easy to change a style of play and a culture.

Boss Russell Martin celebrated with family after Friday's win (Image: PA)

"The club that had a tough, tough year the year before. They've deserved the opportunity to go to the final now, they've earned it.

"They've earned every single bit of it and now they have to really make the most of it. Friday was a beautiful moment for us.

"We've had so many here this season. The fans were incredible but we have a chance to have a better moment next week." 

Saints beat West Brom 3-1 to reach the final while Leeds thumped Norwich 4-0, with both sides drawing 0-0 away in the first leg.

Southampton beat Leeds both home and away during the regular season, winning 3-1 at St Mary's and 2-1 at Elland Road on the final day.