Nathan Redmond’s role as a striker is not under any threat despite his painful misses against Swansea.

Claude Puel has made the decision to convert the summer signing from Norwich from a winger into a frontman.

Redmond has looked very dangerous in the early days of his time with the club, but wasted a couple of good chance against Swansea, suffering a horrible moment as he blazed over when in time and space in the box just before half time.

However, Puel stuck up for Redmond and said: “It’s a good thing he can have all these chances because it’s important for a striker to have chances. It’s very interesting for the squad.

“It was difficulties to score but next time he would be able to score two or three goals in the same game easier because he’s a very good player with many possibilities.

“Now it’s just a question of time and experience and it’s no problem.

“It’s important he stays with a good attitude and to think for the next chances to finish.”

Saints did squander several presentable openings before Charlie Austin netted the goal that proved to be the winner at St Mary’s.

“It was difficult to not score today with all these chances,” said Puel.

“Just to win 1-0 is the minimum because at the moment I think we can score three or four goals and to make the game easier with good chances. This was not possible and it was important to stay with the structure and the spirit and get this goal in the end.”

Puel did dispute the decision that saw Shane Long booked for diving when he appealed for a penalty, but in the end it didn’t cost Saints as they secured a first Premier League win of the season.

“It’s a good thing,” smiled Puel when asked about the result.

“It’s very important of course for all my players in my squad because all the first games of the Premier League we do many good things without reward.

“It was important to win this game with difficulty because you don’t score all the many chances you have and just to stay a goal up against this team is difficult to finish the game.

“I say congratulations to my players because they keep a good attitude, good spirit, good structure with all these many chances.

“Perhaps the decision of the referee was contrary against us but to finish with a victory is very important for the confidence and for the future.”