Duo on Saints battle - exclusive

Last updated : 12 August 2005 By Andy Parsons

Rocastle, who has played in both games so far this season knows that Saints will be up for the game after a shaky start to life in the Championship but knows that The Owls go in as underdogs.

He told Footymad: "Against Southampton, we have nothing to lose. We deserve to be in this league but it pairs us against a massive club. The players are up for every single match and it’s not only a big game for us but for Southampton as well because they want to bounce straight back. It will be a massive fight for pride."

Rocastle believes that the game be overshadowed with Paul Sturrock facing his old club for the first time but is adamant that the hype can work in Wednesday's advantage.

"Definitely," he admitted, "and hopefully we can do him a favour by beating them, especially being at home again. We have to use the Hillsborough games to our advantage and start getting some wins here."

The former Chelsea and Hibs man has had a torrid time over the summer recovering from an operation but so far, things are working well for him and he is happy to be a part of the action.

He added: "I feel good at the moment, the crowd get behind you and it makes you forget about injuries, although in the last five minutes of the game I was feeling it a bit, and obviously two games in four days doesn’t help but it’s a massive season for the club and I am just happy I am part of it so soon.

"I knew after Cardiff that I needed the operation so it was expected so I wasn’t that low at all after the euphoria of promotion but they way it happened there is always a plus side to it because of the timing. You have to get fit and focus on the matches so being out for the start of the summer was not that big a dent in confidence for me."

Wood meanwhile knows that the clash against Harry Redknapp's men will be difficult for both clubs but knows that Wednesday are up for it.

The defender said: "I haven’t seen Southampton play to be honest but everybody knows that they have just been relegated – they are a massive club and hope to get back into the Premiership so it will be a big test for us, one of many big tests that we will face this season but it is the gaffer’s old team so he will get everyone up for it.

"Be interesting to see if Kenwyne plays, he is a decent player and I will have to be on my guard if selected."