MATCH-winner Derrick Abu believes Saints have the best academy team in England and insisted: "We just want to make Southampton proud."

The 21 year old defender set up Dom Ballard's opener and had the final say with an emphatic strike in a 2-1 extra-time win at Crystal Palace.

It follows a string of impressive performances from Abu in the under-21s this season, having spent last campaign on loan at League Two Harrogate.

Saints will visit Man City looking to become Premier League 2 champions for the first time, and only the second champions in its new format.

Speaking on the pitch at Selhurst Park, Abu told the Daily Echo: "The boys have been really dedicated this season. They have really dug deep.

Derrick Abu celebrates his winning goal at Selhurst ParkDerrick Abu celebrates his winning goal at Selhurst Park (Image: Craig Hobbs / Southampton FC)

"There has been a change of managers and change of environment. It's been tough for the club as a whole because we've got relegated.

"The 21s stuck together and the academy stuck together. We just want to make Southampton proud and bring some pride to the club.

"That's the most important thing. I believe we're the best in the country and we back ourselves that we're going to make Southampton proud.

"It's a massive achievement already. I think we have to give credit to ourselves and the staff but, like I said, it's now down to one last push.

"Anything can happen. We just have to be ready, prepare well, get some rest and bring that trophy home to St Mary's and Southampton."

Abu fired a vicious shot from outside the area in the seventh minute of extra-time to get Saints - who had several chances to win - over the line.

"The ball came up and I just headed it to Cam Bragg. And once he played it back to me, I had a little glance at the goal," explained Abu. 

"I just thought to myself, you know what, let me just have a crack with this, and thank God it went into the top corner. It was a nice goal!"

It is not the first time Abu has provided the match-winning moments at Selhurst Park to send his team into the final of the International Cup.

Abu was on trial at Palace in May 2023, setting up their only goal as they drew 1-1 with Valencia, before scoring the winning penalty in the shootout.

"It was good, I came to play in the semi-finals for them and scored an assist, just like today. I enjoyed it as well, man," added Abu. 

"I just took the opportunity and now I'm at Southampton and we did the same thing in the semi-finals - and now we're in the final."

Germany-born former England youth international Abu was on his way out of Chelsea at the time, having been at Cobham since he was 11 years old.

He did not end up signing for Palace, instead penning a two-year contract with Saints as the club looked to plug gaps in the academy system.

Abu now faces an uncertain future again with his current deal set to expire this summer, but he insists he is merely excited about what comes next.

"You don't really have to think too hard about it, you just have to do your best every day. I don't really think too far ahead," said the youngster.

"I just have to play my football, make sure I'm fit and dedicated to the craft. The reason I play football is because growing up, it brought me joy.

"Whatever happens, happens. Anything can happen. We just have to see what me and the club want to do and see what the future holds."

Abu's talent extends well beyond the white lines, successfully releasing music as a rap and song recording artist under the moniker 'Chosen'.

His most popular single, 'Life's changing', has over 165,000 streams on Spotify alone, referencing his fledgling football career and his faith.

The likes of Conor Gallagher, a teammate at Chelsea, have featured in Abu's music videos, while he also released a single titles, 'Reece James'.

Abu has even played his music live in concert in Ibiza, garnering recognition from Southampton-born and raised legend Craig David.

"Do you know what it is? Outside of football, I just find music just like therapy. It's just like a little hobby I do and I enjoy it," explained Abu.

"Life's changing is kind of like a representation of how football has influenced me and music plays a big part in my career as well."

With a big smile, Abu added: "Let me just express myself and show the world as well because why not? What's the worst that could happen?"

But the footballer is keen to switch focus back to the pitch, where he hopes to help Saints to win a first top level under-21 title since 2014/15.

"It's been a really good experience at Southampton, here at the club, everyone's treated me really, really nice," beamed the defender. 

"It's a really good environment. The loan did me good and I feel like I've matured, definitely. I can't wait to see what the future holds, honestly.

"I'm honestly so excited. Like I said, the next focus right now is to get to that final and win it but, like I said, we'll see what the future holds."