Adam Blackmore claims Southampton have received a boost ahead of their play-off semi-final seconds leg on Friday night.
Southampton welcome West Brom to St Mary’s for the 8pm kick-off, with both teams looking to win on the night to get to the Wembley final on May 26th.
With the 0-0 draw in the first leg on Sunday, both sides will be confident they can find a way to progress, with Southampton expected to be more attacking at home and West Brom likely to look to hurt Russell Martin‘s side on the counter.
- READ MORE: Gareth Ainsworth says Russell Martin should make ‘strange’ Southampton change v West Brom
BBC Radio Solent sport editor Adam Blackmore joined presenter Tom Deacon on the pair’s Saints and Sinners podcast to preview the clash, with Blackmore suggesting his interview with Taylor Harwood-Bellis should give Southampton a boost.
Adam Blackmore on Taylor Harwood-Bellis news
Blackmore had the opportunity to speak to Harwood-Bellis this week and discussed a number of topics which included the on-loan defender’s future.
The 22-year-old confirmed he is eager to sign for the club permanently and, given the terms of his deal, this will come into fruition should Southampton taste play-off success.
Deacon asked about the impact this could have on Friday, saying: “He (Harwood-Bellis) has said he wants to stay…does that give everyone a boost?”
To which Blackmore responded: “He’s a really top lad and he’s a very accomplished 22-year-old footballer.
“Basically what he was saying was ‘I want to stay more now than I ever have wanted because I’ve enjoyed the last nine months so much’…That’s what i want to hear from a young England under-21 player if I’m a fan of Southampton.
“He’s a quality player and he wants to stay.”
Harwood-Bellis won’t return if Southampton are not promoted
Southampton and Manchester City negotiated a £20 million obligation to buy into Harwood-Bellis’ loan deal last summer, meaning if the Saints are promoted then they will keep the youngster permanently.
Given how highly he was rated after helping Burnley to the Championship title on loan last season, this represented astute business.
Harwood-Bellis has become a real St Mary’s favourite and the fact that play-off failure would also mean he returns to City would be a crushing double blow for fans of the club.
Should Southampton fall short, Harwood-Bellis will be no short of suitors and, unfortunately for Southampton, he will be in the Premier League even if the club are not.