You dream of these moments - Saints hero Charles

Shea Charles has made 76 appearances for Southampton since signing in 2024 [Getty Images]

Southampton midfielder Shea Charles has said his winning goal against Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off semi-finals is a moment he will never forget.

With four minutes of extra time remaining in Tuesday night's second leg at St Mary's Stadium, he sent a cross-shot into the box which flew over a crowd of defenders.

As the ball looped through the air, time stood still, the home support holding their breath before exploding into noise as it unexpectedly nestled into the far corner of the net.

It finally put them ahead against Middlesbrough after two competitive and fiery legs, and at the full-time whistle sent Saints into a play-off final against Hull City at Wembley, 2-1 on aggregate.

"It was a great moment - you dream about these moments, Charles told BBC Radio Solent.

"Fortunately I've got a couple of them now and never take them for granted, but it's such a big result for the club.

"It was a really intense game. You don't play many 120-minute games so you're never really fully prepared for it. A lot of us were struggling, but we had to battle through and fortunately we got what we deserved."

This season Charles has built quite the goal catalogue for Saints, weighing in on a number of occasions with big goals to decide games and cup ties.

All four of his Championship goals have been memorable for one reason or another.

• Charles sends Saints past Boro and into play-off final