Claude Puel insists that Saints are not content to settle for a draw in Israel tonight, even with Hapoel Be’er Sheva’s incredible home form.

The team from the south of Israel have not lost a home game since their new ground, the Turner Stadium, was opened almost exactly a year ago, writes ADAM LEITCH IN ISRAEL.

That remarkable run helped them to the title last season, and after beating Inter Milan in the San Siro in their first Group K clash, they come into tonight’s game full of confidence – but that does not deter Puel.

“Every time when you play a game, at home or away, it’s to try and take three points. Every time,” insisted the Saints boss, who left four key players at home but is otherwise only missing Jay Rodriguez and Sofiane Boufal.

“You cannot be thinking just perhaps a draw. It’s important every time for me, my players and my staff every time away and at home to look for three points and this is the same.”

He added: “It’s a team with confidence.

“They win the first game of the Europa League at Inter with a very good game.

“When I saw this game it is not a surprise to beat Inter because they have all the best situation to score in this game and they make a very good game.

“It was important to consider and respect this team because it’s a very good team, good players, technical players, they make a good press and they change system every time inside the game.

“It’s a competitive squad, a competitive team.

“It will be difficult for us.”

Despite Hapoel being relatively unknown, Puel and his staff have done their homework, using the Inter Milan game as a good scouting opportunity.

“We prepare all the times with all the games meticulously,” he said.

“It’s important of course to know the opponent and always to keep our play and to play good football.

“We have the possibilities against every opponent and it will be the same against this team.

“It’s important to respect all the teams and Hapoel also but the most important for us is to play our game.”

Saints have had an exhausting schedule, getting up early yesterday to make the five hour flight and two hour coach drive down to Beersheba, before quickly dropping their bags at the hotel and going to the Turner Stadium for training and pre-match press activities.

Puel is hoping it doesn’t take its toll.

“We see this,” he admitted.

“It was a long travel, we just arrive for the training session.

“Normally we are tired, this is normal, but we have to make something without play and we have got to keep energy. It’s normal and it’s important too have situation in different conditions. This is ok.”