RUPERT LOWE has hit back over reports that Sven-Goran Eriksson was left fuming by Saints' decision to play England pair Wayne Bridge and James Beattie in a friendly.

The FA were reported to be seeking answers as to why the pair played the first 45 minutes of Tuesday's friendly at Aberdeen.

Eriksson had given the players the week off following the FA Cup final and they were told to join up with the national squad this weekend.

But it appears the England coach didn't know they had played against Aberdeen until he saw television pictures beamed out to South Africa of the game.

Saints chairman Lowe, pictured, described the situation as "hype" and admitted: "I've had no communication from the FA and, until I do, I'm not prepared to comment.

"There's not much I can do and we will not be making any statement because there's not a lot to say."

Lowe, who is on the FA's national game board, added: "They weren't picked to go to South Africa and they played 45 minutes in Aberdeen.

"I can't believe everyone's getting so concerned by all this hype."

FA spokesman Adrian Bevington said: "We haven't had chance to speak to Southampton yet and we don't know when we will make contact with them."