Ronald Koeman believes the latest international break has come at a good time for his side.

The Saints boss will be sweating on the 16 players who have been called up to represent their countries returning to Southampton fit and well, but nonetheless is grateful for the timing of this two week period without a game.

Saints kept their fantastic start to the season rolling with victory over Leicester to ensure they will still be second in the table when they return to action.

However, with recent wins having been increasingly hard-fought, Koeman is glad that the pressure valve will be relieved for a while, and believes it will benefit his side.

He said: “It’s a good time because we had a tough last few weeks but it’s tough again for us because another 16 or 17 players will be away for playing friendlies or qualification games and we hope we will have everybody back on Friday in two weeks to prepare the next one against Aston Villa away.”

Saints do have the added luxury of not playing until the Monday night after the international break due to the Aston Villa game being screened live on Sky.

It will allow all their players to return, recover and prepare properly for the match.

Koeman will also have the chance to get his team organised for the trip where they will look to extend their outstanding defensive record, which has seen them concede just five goals in their opening 11 Premier League matches.

“They are doing fantastic and always the defending is teamwork but of course we have a fantastic goalkeeper, we have a very good four defenders,” said Koeman.

Ryan Bertrand is playing fantastic on a very high level and Clyney it’s not a surprise he is selected for the national team.

“Jose and Alderweireld together in the centre backs are fantastic.

“It’s international good players, international good defence with a strong midfield because we have to understand for example Wanyama is a lot of physical and winning battles in the midfield and that’s important for the team.”

There are plenty of Saints players on the fringes of their international sides hoping to get the nod to play. One of those is England keeper Fraser Forster and Koeman added: “It’s not my question, it’s a question for the national coach.

“I think Hart is a good goalkeeper as well but I am very happy we made the decision to buy Fraser Forster from Celtic because he is showing he is one of the best.”