Claude Puel defended his decision to leave some of his star players at home as Saints battled out a hard fought goalless draw in Israel.

With a trip to Premier League champions Leicester just around the corner on Sunday, and a gruelling travel schedule to face Hapoel Be’er Sheva in last night’s Europa League fixture, Puel left the likes of Charlie Austin and Jose Fonte in Southampton.

Steven Davis and Ryan Bertrand were also held back for the game at the King Power Stadium, and those that came to Israel were left to face a physically strong team in an intimidating atmosphere and fought hard for a point in a scrappy game.

Puel said: “I think we can see good solidarity and a good second half.

“You come back in the second half with more calm and solidarity to keep this point.

“We don’t have the good chances and the good efficiency in the final third of the opponent but I think it was important to consider this is a good team and to take also some players to keep fresh for a game in two days and it was a difficult game.

“Israel is very hard, it’s a long journey, difficult opponent and with all the fans of this team and I think all my players have done well because it’s not easy and it’s not a surprise to see the team at this level.

“It was a difficult group and it’s important to view our qualification.”

Group K looks wide open for Saints, with Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Puel’s men sat on four points from two games, and Sparta Prague on three after their defeat of Inter Milan who, remarkably, are without a point so far.

“We played tonight a good team, a physical team, a good team tactically,” reflected Puel.

“The first half for us was very difficult with the good pressing of the opponent, with the ball too quick.

“When you cannot win a game and take three points it’s important to keep this point and I think it’s interesting to take a point tonight and I hope for the future for qualification.

“We play a very good team and congratulations to them and their trainer and also their fans were fantastic putting us under pressure.

“It was a difficult game and I am happy to take this point.”

The whole Israel experience has been a steep learning curve for Saints, but Puel believes it will make them far stronger.

“It’s a good experience for the future of course,” he insisted.

“When we win away at West Ham and you take one point with the difficulties here with all this travel, the journey, and we go to play now in two days against Leicester and it’s very hard and difficult but I am enjoy because my team learned and it’s difficult all the time.

“They make a good answer I think in difficult conditions.”