Claude Puel insisted his side’s win against Middlesbrough was a victory for the entire squad as his big selection gamble paid off.

Puel made seven changes to the Saints team to face Boro, handing first starts to Martin Caceres and Jeremy Pied and recalling the likes of Jay Rodriguez, Shane Long and Jordy Clasie.

It worked a treat as Saints ended a 312 minute goal drought to win 2-1 in their final away game of the season.

Puel said: “The goals and the wins and the result of course because it was very important for us.

“This good result also gives a good reward for all the squad, a good answer, because it was important to give opportunities to some players and for others to recover.

“To have the possibility to play the last three games with good energy, possibilities and physically fit.

“I don’t know now for the last two games but it was important for the first.

“I am happy for the squad because it was not just a win. It was a win for the squad because all the players can give a good answer and it is important to recover some players but also see other players like Martin Caceres, Jeremy Pied, Charlie, Rodriguez, Long, Hojbjerg, Clasie.

“All these players deserve game time because they work very hard in training sessions and we can see this on the pitch.

“This is an important reward for all the squad.”

Saints are level on points with West Brom and have the chance to finish eighth with a strong finale.

“The motivation we know and we show the motivation of the team with all these games with a good attitude,” insisted Puel.

“Just perhaps against Hull City it was without the good intensity and rhythm but all the games we can play with good quality, spirit and intensity and this is very important.

“It is interesting at the end of the season to see this attitude and of course we have got to try and finish in the first half of the table.

“It will be a good reward for the team and for the good work I think we can do since the beginning of the season.”