Claude Puel insists he will still be rotating Charlie Austin in and out of his team despite the striker’s brilliant goalscoring form.

Austin netted twice against Burnley to make it seven goals in his last six games for the club to help Saints to a 3-1 victory at St Mary’s.

There is an understandable clamour for Austin to start every game, but Puel, who has previously resisted that temptation, not even taking him to Israel for the Europa League tie against Hapeol Be’er Sheva, is not about to change now.

“No,” said Puel when asked if he needed to keep Austin in for every game. “It’s important he don’t play all the games with the team because after it is an injury and it’s important we don’t lose Charlie. It’s important we develop every time and we keep a good physical level for every player.

“Charlie is not an endurance player, it’s important to keep him and his qualities and we can change every time the team since many games.

“For example, in September we got good results with this, and it’s important we can see not just some players but all the squad have a good answer.

“It’s important to respect all the squad because it’s not possible for me for the players to start every three games.”

Austin’s form, which has seen him net four times in the top flight, makes him the highest scoring English centre forward in the Premier League this season.

That is leading to inevitable calls for him to be in the next England squad, with Nathan Redmond also knocking on the door.

“I would like of course the selection for all my players,” insisted Puel. “They have very good qualities.

“I am not the trainer of international but the players play a very good game and Nathan have reward with a very good game.

“He tried to shoot more today and for me it’s important.

“This is the first time he plays a striker, because at Norwich he played as a winger, but for me he has all the qualities to play at the front of the attack and as a striker.

“He has a good shot, a very good right foot and he can every time the difference in the game with the confidence he can show for the team.”

Of Austin, who could be rested for the trip to Inter Milan, Puel added: “It’s important for the team and I am happy for him and for us.

“Like to score, like the good area in finding a solution.

“It’s important for the team and also the team play good football and get confidence.

“I think many players can score in every game and not just Charlie, but Charlie at this moment is very interesting and important for us.”