Ronald Koeman has admitted his surprise at Ryan Bertrand’s England call-up so soon after the player returned from injury but hailed his international quality.

Bertrand started his first game of the season in last weekend’s victory over Swansea after missing the opening stages of the campaign with a knee injury.

However, it was a stunning return to form and enough to convince Roy Hodgson to immediately draft him back into the England fold.

Koeman said: “A little bit (surprised) because of course it’s very fast after the first time playing 90 minutes but I was also surprised about the level what Ryan already bring last week.

“Ok, maybe a little influence in maybe some injuries on different players on that position.

“We know if Ryan is back and playing on his level then he’s one of the national team and that’s good because it’s good for the player, the confidence of the player and it’s good for Southampton.”

He added: “Already he’s a good player in my opinion because it’s always a difficult position.

“You don’t have really very good left full backs and the qualities of Ryan is important in our way of playing.

“I like to play with offensive left, offensive right full backs.

“He’s on that level that we are happy he is a player of Southampton.”

Bertrand is set to start against his former club Chelsea as Saints travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with Jordie Clasie touch and go to be involved in the squad having returned to full training.

Koeman reported: “Jordie Clasie is back in training from the beginning of this week but the final decision I have to make tomorrow if he is available for the squad for this Saturday and the rest is the same as last week.”