Ward-Prowse, 22, came through the Saints Academy before breaking into the first team when he made his debut in a League Cup tie in 2011.
Having been part of the club when it dropped down to League One in 2009/2010 amid financial turmoil before then fighting back up to the top flight again in 2012, Ward-Prowse knows full well what such a fixture will mean to everyone at St Mary's.
"It is going to be a great occasion
The club has worked incredibly hard for nights like this and we as players, the manager and staff want to be involved in games like this
A lot rests on the game, so bring it on," Ward-Prowse said at a press conference
"Having been at the club for a long time, obviously I have seen the growth of the club on and off the pitch
"Being a player here, it is great to see the rise of the club and it was a great feeling at the San Siro.
"This is a great game against a European giant and we will be looking to make sure we come out on top."
Ward-Prowse added: "The fans stuck with the club through thick and thin, through the bad times and these are the good times now
"A few of them would have been travelling to League One fixtures, and now we are hosting Inter Milan in the Europa League
We have a chance to qualify and hopefully they can get behind us to see us over the line."
Southampton lost 1-0 in Milan last month, which left them in third place in Group K, but only a point ahead of the Italians
Saints boss Claude Puel admits it is something of a strange scenario to be playing a team in such an important tie just days after seeing head coach Frank de Boer sacked
"It is always a shame when a coach does not keep his place, but for us it is important to maintain good concentration on our game," the Frenchman said.
" Of course it is difficult for us to prepare for this game because we don't know what to expect in terms of the profile, the spirit, the system of play (from Inter)
"But we are sure that they are great players, they won the first game while struggling and that is the quality of the players they have."
Southampton are reported to be in talks over a £200million takeover by Chinese company Lander Sports Development
Puel, though, insists it remains business as usual for the players and coaching staff.
"I finish the training session and I have no idea on this subject," said Puel, who was appointed in the summer following the departure of Ronald Koeman to Everton
"I give all my confidence of course with the president (chairman), with all the people in the club to work very well and to do the things in a good way and the right way."
Puel added: "I am of course staying concentrated on the game
After this, the other things we will have time to discuss and to speak with this for the future
"We will see this with the chairman and he is a good man to answer this subject
"I say I have no problem of course and I have all my confidence with the chairman and the future of the club."
Source : PA
Source: PA