Claude Puel felt Saints finally got their reward as they delivered a first victory of his managerial reign.

Saints soundly beat Sparta Prague 3-0 at St Mary’s to start their Europa League campaign with a bang and get Puel really up and running as Saints boss.

After four games without a victory at the start of the season it was a welcome relief for all concerned.

Puel said: “It’s good. I enjoy for my players of course because we weren’t rewarded last time.

“It was an important win with good football and good play against a good team also.

“I think it’s a very good performance from my players, and I think also it was important to see the quality of all the squad for the next games.

“We can see many good players and this is very important for the confidence of the next game.”

Puel promised rotation of his squad and duly changed seven players for the tie against Sparta, including three of his first choice back four.

The performance of those that came in was a major plus point for the manager.

“For me it was very important to consider the two games,” said Puel. “Against Swansea this game arrives quick with just two days off after tonight.

“It’s very hard and difficult and we didn’t take a risk because I have important confidence in my players and the squad.

“I am sure we had good players and we can see this and for all the squad I think it’s important to consider it and to see all the young players, but very good players. This is interesting for the future.”

One of the changes Puel made was to bring in Charlie Austin who scored twice, including a penalty after a dispute with Dusan Tadic over who would take it, an incident the Saints boss laughed off.

“It’s an anecdote,” smiled Puel. “They can discuss together if all the time you put the ball in the goal it’s ok.

“We can see this with calm tomorrow.

“For me it’s not important, it’s an anecdote.”

He added: “It’s important for Charlie to score and also for Jay Rodriguez. Shane can do a very good game also and give an assist for Rodriguez.

“I think it’s important for all the offensive players to find a solution and to score for the beginning and the first game in the Premier League we had many chances but no efficient. It was not sufficient for us.

“Now this is important to win 3-0 and with a good offensive play.

“I think all the squad do a very good performance.”

The win puts Saints top of the Group K table, with Inter Milan suffering a shock defeat to Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the other fixture, a result which Puel admitted was not ideal for his side.

“I would prefer perhaps Inter win this game because now we can see a group with a good balance and it is difficult every game,” confessed Puel.

“The next game in Israel is very strong.”