Ronald Koeman has reminded his players that they have a “great opportunity” to take a big step towards a major Wembley final when they face Sheffield United this evening.

Saints take on the Blades at Bramall Lane tonight with a place in the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup up for grabs.

Though Saints go into the match on the back of four successive defeats in the Premier League, the match represents a chance to get back to top form and generate extra excitement.

Have taken the competition seriously from the start, Koeman is well aware of what could lie ahead for his side.

“It’s a great opportunity to get in the semi-final and then you are close to playing in the final and that is the challenge,” he said.

“The players know about that because we have taken it very seriously in the League Cup and we will do it again.”

Saints have stayed in the north of England to give themselves the best possible recovery period between Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Burnley and tonight’s match and Koeman insists the mood in the camp is still good.

“It’s always difficult because winning and losing is always different,” he reflected.

“Now after the Burnley game we need a win and winning games always makes confidence, makes the players good with the spirit.

“We spoke about that and it’s no problem because the team still believes in the qualities and how play.

“I think we're very close to winning games and it’s no problem because the team is still believing the qualities and how we play and it’s not a question.

“I think it’s very close to winning games because if we don’t create chances I think the problem is higher than now.

“We are maybe a little bit more unlucky in the last few games because it’s not about playing bad football or not creating chances. It’s close and we spoke about that.”

He added: “If you don’t win or you need a little bit more confidence then you have more meetings with the players and there is more communication with them.

“We spoke about it and we didn’t change anything.

“We believe in the way we play and how we train and how we are doing things.

“We weren’t celebrating parties after winning five times and we don’t go back or down after some defeats because still we believe in our qualities.”

Saints are massive favourites to win through tonight, but Koeman is taking nothing for granted against a Sheffield United side fifth in League One.

“We analysed them and we will have a session about the video to present to the players,” reported the Saints boss.

“Cup football is always different and it doesn’t depend the level or the division in which the opponent is playing.

“It will be a tough one because they have the spirit, they are playing at home and it’s a challenge for them to play against a Premier League team and there are enough examples in this type of competition that it’s always difficult.”