RALPH Hasenhuttl explained how organising set pieces is the "biggest change" when James Ward-Prowse is not part of the team.

Following a remarkable run of featuring in 102 Premier League matches in succession, Saints' skipper missed Saturday's 1-0 win over Leeds.

Ward-Prowse is currently serving a three-match suspension, having been sent off against Chelsea earlier this month.

Asked if it was strange to prepare for a game without Ward-Prowse, boss Hasenhuttl said: "Especially the set pieces. I think (coach) Dave Watson had a lot of things to do during the week, finding the right player to deliver the balls.

"We had a few good ones I must say. Reddy (Nathan Redmond) had a few good corners and we had a good chance in the beginning from (Armando) Broja where the ball was slightly beside the post.

"The set pieces worked quite well. This is the biggest change when he’s not there."

Ward-Prowse was replaced by Ibrahima Diallo, who impressed in the win over Leeds.

He was one of five changes to the side which lost to Chelsea, with Romain Perraud, Moussa Djenepo, Moi Elyounoussi and goalscorer Broja also selected.

"It wasn’t only to bring fresh players, it is very often now that we can decide what we need, what kind of quality we need," explained Hasenhuttl.

"We have different characters, different qualities in some positions and it was important to play the ball more in the feet, the give and go that is definitely more the quality of Moussa and Moi.

"It’s good for me that I can decide what I need. Kyle (Walker-Peters) was only on the bench, Romain was more running in behind, this was also the plan.

"We have different characters and in some games you need different qualities and this is the reason why I can change it better."

He added: "It’s not so easy to step in for the captain and make such a performance but I think Ibra was waiting for this chance and now this chance was there.

"He is a dynamic player with good speed, can carry the ball quite well and his one against one quality (on Saturday) was decisive against his opponent, definitely."

Ward-Prowse will again be absent when Burnley visit Saints on Saturday (3pm).