Claude Puel admitted a sense of frustration that Saints didn’t take a bigger leap towards Wembley after beating Liverpool 1-0 at St Mary’s.

Though Puel was understandably delighted with the performance of his players in last night’s EFL Cup semi-final last leg, he was also rueing a few missed chances that could have meant a greater cushion for the return leg at Anfield.

He said: “I think it was a great performance against this team and these players.

“At the beginning of the game we have had some difficulties to recover the ball, after with good organisation we kept a clean sheet and we can do a good performance with the ball with set attacks sometimes and all the counter attacks.

“I think it is a little frustration at the end of the game that it is just a win with one goal up, and I think with a little more efficient or a little more luck we can do another result.

“I think it was important to keep this result with a clean sheet, with a win and to keep chances to qualify for the second game away against Liverpool. We will see this.”

He added: “I think there is a little frustration at the end of the game with all this many chances and possibilities to score.

“I am happy also to see the level of the team and of the players.

“It was interesting for the confidence for the next game to see the possibilities with good concentration and quality.

“It was an interesting game for us but now it’s important to keep this good resolution and good possibility for the next game.

“We have time to think for the come back against Liverpool, and now it’s important to keep focus for the game in the Premier League against Burnley on Saturday and we will see if we have the same ability and concentration about this game.”

Puel was keen to emphasise the point that his players must take the belief and confidence gleaned from the win over Liverpool into the Premier League.

They will be looking to halt a run of three top flight defeats when they travel to Burnley on Saturday.

“A great performance against this team, many chances against any opponent and just one chance at the beginning of the game for Liverpool,” reflected the Saints boss.

“It was a good performance from my players, but now it’s important to keep this attitude, this level, in the Premier League and the next game against Burnley is very important for us.

“After a bad Christmas it is important to have a good answer and keep good quality.

“This cup is a pleasure and exciting games but we have time to consider the comeback and the second leg.

“Now it’s important to keep all our motivation for the next game against Burnley.”