IT was the ultimate dream for Saints to play against Inter Milan at the San Siro in their crown jewel Europa League group match.

But a downhearted Jay Rodriguez conceded that a “proud” moment, playing with his family watching on at one of the world’s most iconic stadiums, meant almost nothing because of the overriding feeling that Claude Puel’s side should have won.

“It was a surreal moment,” said Rodriguez. “My family’s here and I was chatting to them afterwards. It’s a proud moment, but it doesn’t really mean anything when you lose.”

“We’re obviously disappointed after putting all that into the game,” he continued. “We had some great chances that we should have scored.

“They’ve had a couple of shots and we’ve conceded one which we’re disappointed with, but we have to now focus on Sunday (against Manchester City).”

Saints, who were backed by 7,000 noisy travelling supporters, performed well, but were cut down by Antonio Candreva’s goal on 67 minutes.

The 27-year-old Saints striker felt that those that made the journey across the continent deserved better, although has urged Saints not to let their heads drop with a trip to Premier League leaders Manchester City coming up on Sunday.

“We deserved more out the game and the fans did as well,” he said. “They were great support. They were right behind us and we felt that in the game.

“We came here to win the game and I thought we had the chances to and, although we’re disappointed, we can’t keep our heads down with Sunday coming, which we’re looking forward to.”

Rodriguez returned to Saints’ starting side after finally recovering from yet another injury setback after two years blighted with continual fitness problems.

His performance in the match suggested that he was still rusty and finding his feet again, with a number of loose touches and a couple of chances squandered.

“I’m not happy,” he said. “I’m always like this after a game I haven’t scored in.

“I feel fine, I felt great,” he added when asked about his fitness. “I just want more and more of it.

“That’s what I need and I’m sure the goals will come. I just need to keep my fitness and keep on the field.”

He is now targeting a run of games to get back to his best.

“I need regular games,” he said. “That’s the main thing. I need a run of games to find my form and the goals will come.”

The Europa League group has now been blown wide open, with every team now in with a shout of qualification after Inter grabbed their first win and Sparta Prague triumphed at Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

However, Rodriguez still feels that Saints are in with a big shout with two home games in their remaining three group games.

They face Inter on November 3 before welcoming Hapoel Be’er Sheva on December 8, with a trip to Sparta sandwiched in between on November 24.

“We know that but we’ve got a few home games now and that’ll be a strong point for us,” he said. “But we have to focus on the next game.”