Unbelievable statement West Brom boss admits ahead of play-off final

Underdogs Albion face Russell Martin’s Saints at home and away, hoping to reach the play-off final at Wembley for the first time since 2007. Furlong has previously achieved promotion with the club, which occurred automatically in 2020, but he is excited about the prospect of play-off development.

“It’s a very special part of football, the Championship play-off final is probably one of the biggest games in the world,” Furlong stated to BBC WM. “I’m looking forward to getting there and seeing what happens.

“We realise they’re a lottery, but we’ll do everything we can to maintain the position we’ve held all season.

“We’re here for a reason, so are the other teams, but we’ll take it to them and see what happens.”

Furlong recalled November’s game at St Mary’s, in which the hosts won 2-1 thanks to a late second goal on a day when Corberan’s men deserved acclaim.

“The game away, we were brilliant, probably one of our best performances in the season, especially in the second half, I can still remember that now,” said the full-back.

“We’ll go there, understand the manager’s plan, and try to put it into action.

“We’ll probably take some ideas from it, look at individuals, but the plan is up to the manager and we’ll go and do it.”

Furlong has made more appearances for Albion than any other outfield player, and the former QPR player believes he owes his success to club staff.

“It’s extremely tough but that’s where we have the guys here at the club – the physios, the strength and conditioning guys, the recovery people,” Furlong stated. “When I go in, my shakes and tablets are there waiting for me; this is part of the group’s cohesiveness, from staff to athletes.

“It’s credit to them that we have the ability to go on and play like that in multiple games, I hope it continues.”