WHEN Romsey Town Reserves' John Howard steps out at St Mary's tonight for the Southcott Homes Southampton FA Senior Cup final, he will be carrying some valuable advice on how to handle such a big occasion.

Howard's brother, Brian, captained Barnsley in their FA Cup semi-final loss to Cardiff earlier this month and also scored the winner at Anfield when they beat Liverpool in the fifth round.

Since his Wembley appearance, Brian has sat down with John to give him some words of wisdom ahead of the match with Wessex Combination 1 champions and cup holders VT Reserves.

John was at Anfield and Wembley, as well as Oakwell for Barnsley's quarter-final success against holders Chelsea.

Brian was hoping to return the favour and watch his brother in the biggest match of his career, but it is unlikely he will be able to make it now.

"He was coming down, but I don't think he's been able to get enough time off from Barnsley," said John.

"But he said I have just got to enjoy it, because it might not happen again.

"He's been great and very supportive. He's buzzing for us."

Full story in today's Daily Echo