Ronald Koeman was pleased with Jay Rodriguez’s first Saints start for seven months.

The 26-year-old has had another frustrating season, as his comeback from a serious knee injury was cut short by a foot problem which also required surgery.

Rodriguez has been building up fitness and made two appearances from the bench, and Koeman felt the time was right to pitch him in from the start against Aston Villa, where he played 70 minutes.

A delighted Koeman said: “Everybody knows Jay played twice in the under-21s and in the last two matches he came from the bench and I think it was really today the last step he makes by starting.

“Normally it’s a player who can score goals and I think he did a good job together with Shane.

“After 35 minutes I changed his position to the left and what he needs is game time.

“Of course I think it was a good opportunity today to start with Jay.”

Koeman confirmed that his decision to take off Victor Wanyama at half time had nothing to do with the injury that forced the midfielder off at Everton.

“No it wasn’t an injury,” he insisted. “I wasn’t happy about his performance and how we work together in the midfield.”