Southampton 3-1 Crystal Palace - Puel sweats on Bertrand fitness but is delighted after victory

England international Bertrand had a hamstring problem so was replaced by Sam McQueen at left-back.

But Puel is hoping he is ok for the trip to the Hawthorns.

The Saints manager said: “He felt something with his hamstring and he cannot take the risk.”

Asked if Bertrand will be available to take on the Baggies, Puel added: “I hope so, we’ll see.”

Saints will travel to the Black Country buoyed by last night’s win.

“It wasn’t just a good result, it was a fantastic game for us with quality and many chances,” said Puel.

“It was important to score at the end and win this game after all these opportunities. We could have had a penalty in the first half but the team kept going with intensity, quality and fantastic work.

“I’m happy for the players because it was one of our most consistent games at home.”

Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce was furious that Saints first goal was allowed to stand.

Asked if he thought Saints were fortunate Nathan Redmond’s equaliser was not disallowed because of a Steven Davis foul on Wilfried Zaha in the build-up to the cross that created the chance, Puel said: “Perhaps, but there were possibilities for us. We kept going. I’m happy for the players because their attitude and quality was fantastic.”

Puel believes Shane Long’s work rate deserved a first goal in five games “He did fantastic work for the team to create good opportunities for us. His movement made it difficult for their defenders, he could easily have been the difference.”

With Long not firing after coming in for Jay Rodriguez, it needed a rare goal from Maya Yoshida to put Saints ahead.

“It’s not just about strikers, for me 11 all attack and all 11 defend and can all score,” said Puel. “Maya is very important for us. He’s a strong, intelligent personality and has improved with confidence. Without [Virgil] Van Dijk we need a strong man with personality like him.”