Southampton striker Billy Sharp says the ovation the Town support gave him after he scored at Portman Road earlier in the season soon after the death of his new-born son Luey was a “special thing”. The 26-year-old, who has revealed he spoke to the Blues in January, could face Town with his new club Southampton at St Mary’s this evening.

Sharp said: "It was a special thing they did for me and it's nice some away fans actually like me.”

Town had a £2.3 million offer for the former Sheffield United man turned down in the summer and Sharp says there was renewed in interest in the last transfer window: "I spoke to them in January.

“I nearly joined them when I was speaking to Southampton and everyone knows what happened when I played against them earlier in the season.

"It surprised me, because I've just scored against their team who they support through and through.

"To see the home crowd clap an opposing player who has just scored is surprising. It was really nice to see."

Sharp, who has added one goal to his current tally of 11 goals since joining the Saints, has been amongst Southampton’s subs in recent games.

Photo: Action Images

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Photo: Action Images

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