Claude Puel has urged Nathan Redmond to keep showing the kind of form that troubled Liverpool as he continues to adapt to life at Saints.

Redmond was a nightmare for the Liverpool defence in last night’s EFL Cup semi-final first leg at St Mary’s, and provided what proved to be the winning goal.

He could have had even more, such were the other chances that also came his way, but his all-round performance was enough to suggest to Puel that the £10m summer signing is finding his feet.

Puel said: “I am happy with the game of Nathan because I think he has a lot of quality.

“At the start of the season he played as a striker and it’s a mentality for him and it’s important he gives this possibility behind the defenders with good runs and control and to take risks or to play for run.

“With his run on the first goal it was interesting, and for the other chances also it was unlucky.

“I hope now he can continue to make this progress and to improve because he has a lot of quality, good feet, quality to shoot and to dribble and to start with the ball.

“It is a fantastic player and for now it is important he stay with attitude to play forward.”

While Redmond’s forward play against Liverpool was a huge plus for Puel, so too was the defensive performance produced by the entire side.

It was the second time Saints have played Liverpool at home this season, and the Reds, normally so prolific in front of goal, have yet to find the net against them.

If Saints can keep up that record for the return match at Anfield, they will be on their way to Wembley.

“It was two different games,” said Puel of the two goalless meetings between the sides this season.

“The first game in the Premier League against Liverpool was difficult for us with good defensive organisation and strong work without possibilities to keep the ball and to do good action to score.

“I think the difference for the second game good defence but with possibilities to score, with quality on the play, with every ball recovery it was interesting to see a solution and to give a good answer every time without the ball.

“This was very interesting and I think it’s good progress and a strong defence between the first game and the second.

“Now after a very good performance it is just the possibility to see and to have the opportunity to qualify away at Liverpool. Just this.

“I don’t know if 1-0 up will be sufficient but it was interesting for the confidence and all the team.

“It is important to keep this regularity and quality on the play with concentration on the pitch.”

Puel confirmed that the problem that forced off Jordy Clasie was only tightness rather than an injury.