Claude Puel was delighted with Sam McQueen’s first Premier League appearance as Saints returned from the international break with a convincing 3-1 win over Burnley at St Mary’s.

The Southampton born 21-year-old was thrust into action after just 14 minutes when Matt Targett limped off.

Puel was happy with McQueen’s display, and the former Mountbatten School pupil may get more game time very soon, with Ryan Bertrand and now Targett both sidelined by hamstring injuries.

“For the left back, Sam can play today and we can see good things for his part,” said Puel, who confirmed Targett’s hamstring injury is different to the problem that prevented him for playing for the England under-21s.

“He played a good game also and has quality and the succession of this many games is difficult to play just with Cuco (Martina) and Sam.

“These are possibilities to change every time and this is difficult for the next games but for today I think Sam can play a good game and with his good left foot he gets in many good crosses for the striker and this is important.

“It is a new play for him but he can take confidence for the future and many good things for this player.”

With trips to Inter Milan and Manchester City now ahead, and with three of the club’s four first choice full backs sidelined with Cedric Soares also out, it leaves Puel’s rotation policy in a tricky spot.

Maya Yoshida is the only remaining option who can really fill in at full back after Martina and McQueen.

For now though, Puel is just happy with the win over Burnley, which came courtesy of 34 shots on goal, the most for a single team in a Premier League game so far this season.

“I would prefer to have less chances and more goals,” smiled Puel.

“I think of course it is interesting because we can see how we play out on the pitch to find the solution.

“Now it’s important to continue to progress.

“It’s not just for this game. We can see all the games from the start of the season every time we have more chances and now it’s important to find the efficient and to score more.”

He added: “It was I think a very important game just after the international break.

“It was important to take a good result at home, and to see my players’ good attitude and a good spirit against a good team, a strong team in defence with good organisation. It was difficult to find a solution.

“We start very well in the game, after the injury of Targett we lost a little the control of the game and it was important to come back in the second half with good intentions and to put the ball on the pitch and have a solution.

“After this first goal it was easier to find other chances and I think today we can score many goals.”

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo:

Daily Echo: