Torpoint’s Paul Stephens, the father of Southampton defender Jack, says Wednesday night’s second half in the EFL Cup semi-final second leg at Anfield was ’probably the longest 45 minutes I’ve ever watched’.

Twenty-three-year-old Jack starred in central defence as the Saints beat Liverpool 1-0 on the night and 2-0 on aggregate to reach the cup final on Sunday February 26.

And Paul said: ’I travelled up with my dad Barrie, not knowing whether Jack was going to start.

’I was obviously delighted when I found out he was starting, and praying that they would keep a clean sheet.

’The first half flew by with no real alarms but the second half was probably the longest 45 minutes I have ever watched.

’And the feeling when Shane Long scored (with virtually the last kick of the game) was unbelievable.

’It was pure relief that Jack had helped Saints get to Wembley.’

Southampton will play either Manchester United or Hull City, who meet tonight in their semi-final second leg with United leading 2-0 from the first leg at Old Trafford.

Jack Stephens only made his Premier League debut three weeks ago, also on Merseyside, as a first half substitute in a 3-0 defeat at Everton.

But the former Plymouth Argyle youth player, who joined the Saints, then a League One side, for £150,000 in 2011, is now pushing for a more regular place in the side.

His performances for the England Under 21 team are known to have caught the eye of Gareth Southgate, who was the Under 21 manager before stepping up to the senior England role.