Claude Puel has backed Charlie Austin to win an England call-up after the Saints striker made it five goals in four games as his side thrashed West Ham 3-0.

Austin is on fire at the moment, hitting his stride for the first time since his £4m move from QPR in January.

The 27-year-old has yet to win an England cap in his career, having had one call-up in May 2015 that didn’t led to an international debut.

With Sam Allardyce searching for goalscoring options with Harry Kane sidelined, and England having a double header of Euro qualifiers coming up early next month, the timing might be perfect for Austin.

“I hope he can find the selection,” said Puel.

“The best answer is to score every game and to find solutions to get the selection.

“For me it’s important for him and the team that he can score different goals and I think he score with his first chance in the first half.

“This is for a striker in confidence is very interesting.

“I think it was important for the future also that many other players can score and not just Charlie.”

Puel fielded an all-English strike force for the win over West Ham, with Nathan Redmond partnering Austin.

Redmond is highly experienced at under-21 level for England, and there has even been talk over whether he can win a call-up to the full squad in the future.

Puel stated his belief in Redmond, but warned not to place unrealistic expectations on a young player.

“It’s a young player and he has all the future for him,” insisted the Saints manager.

“He improve every day, he can play on the wide, he can play as a striker, he has all the qualities to score but for the moment I think he didn’t have a very long run and it’s important to continue his work with a good spirit and attitude.

“It’s a player who can make the difference with the ball and give a good assist and his work is very important for the team.”