CLAUDE Puel has backed Oriol Romeu to continue his excellent Saints form and be rewarded with a call-up to the Spanish national team.

Ahead of the Burnley match at St Mary's today Puel was eager to praise Romeu’s superb work this term for Saints.

Romeu has been a key part of Puel’s side this season.

The St Mary’s chief has made clear in the past that he is a big admirer of the defensive midfielder.

Now Puel believes that his Saints form should earn the 25-year-old a call-up to the Spanish national team.

“I’m not surprised for his qualities,” he said. “He’s a very good player. I think the system of the team is interesting for him because along the front of the defence is a good place for him.

“He knows his work on every game. He’s very important for the team with good regularity. Every time he has a good level on his game.

“He’s a technical player and also strong in the recovery of the ball.

“It’s very interesting for the team and for me he’s a very good player for Southampton and I think it will help in selection for his country for the future because his level is very interesting.”