Baird has been at the south coast club for eight years – and was a shock selection for the 2003 FA Cup final against Arsenal – but has found first-team opportunities limited.

“It is almost two years since the cup final and I have hardly featured for a variety of reasons,” he said.

“I don’t think the changes of management have helped but it has been a frustrating time. I have been out on loan to Walsall and Watford and done well at both clubs. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at both.

“But I really want to make it with Southampton. I feel like this is my club. I have been here eight years and have always loved it here – and I want to stay.

“I am only 23 so I have time on my side but I do want to be playing regularly and it is hard at the moment. I will just have to keep working hard and see what happens but this next year is going to be massive for me.”

Baird would relish the chance of appearing against England and is looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere at Old Trafford.

He told official club website, www.saintsfc.co.uk: “As a player you love to test yourself against the best. We see these players week in and week out on the box so it will be great to take them on.

“It is going to be a fantastic occasion and I just hope I am part of it. I think there are about 6,000 fans coming over so there should be a great atmosphere.

“Everyone is talking about it back home and they will all be watching it on television. All the lads are excited about the prospect of playing England. We have been looking forward to this game ever since the draw was made and we will give it our best shot.

“England are seventh in the world and we are 111th so it would be a massive upset if we could get a result. But there is no pressure on us so we will give it a good go. It will be fantastic to take on the likes of Gerrard and Beckham and co.”