"Sometimes fortune favours the brave" Ex-West Brom promotion-winning skipper on sealing the deal

Kilmarnock manager McInnes was captain at The Hawthorns as Albion earned promotion to the rebranded top flight for the first time under Gary Megson in 2002.

The ex-midfielder watched on from afar last Sunday as Carlos Corberan's hosts played out a stalemate with Southampton in a tense and even first leg ahead of Friday night's showdown at St Mary's.

"I think with the play-offs there is a lot of tension in them, a lot of people scared to make mistakes," said Scot McInnes, 52, told the Express & Star.

"They were two teams that are well-coached and it looked as though one goal would be the difference, neither team looked like being opened up too much.

"But it was still quite an entertaining game for a 0-0 and these semi-finals are fraught with tension.

"Sometimes fortune favours the brave and you need a bit of luck to get through these games."

McInness, a recruit from Rangers in 2000, played in all but one of Albion's First Division season of 2001/02 on the way to a second-placed finish behind Manchester City. He departed for Dundee United after relegation from the top tier the following season having clocked up exactly 100 Baggies appearances.

The Killie boss also played for Millwall and St Johnstone entered management with the Saints in 2007. He managed Bristol City for two years before a lengthy stint at Aberdeen between 2013 and 2021.

McInnes reckons there is enough talent on display between Corberan and Russell Martin's side for a moment of quality to make the difference, though did concede more pressure is on Friday's hosts, who were 12 points better off in the Championship this term.

The former Baggies man admits he has been impressed with Corberan's work and that the visitors will believe they can reach Wembley.

"I think both clubs have good options, whether it is Che Adams coming back in for Southampton, (Adam) Armstrong is very capable too," McInnes said.

"Then (Grady) Diangana and Johnston are very capable for the Baggies, and I do think sometimes these games are separated by real quality.

"Sometimes as well it can be a mistake or teams not dealing with pressure.

"West Brom have been strong at home than away but the pressure is on Southampton though.

"They were the ones who were expected to be favourites from the outset, West Brom have had a good season, a good campaign and surprised a few.

"I like the work the manager has done there with a good squad and I don't think they will go into the game lacking in any confidence or belief."