Charlie Austin not guaranteed Inter Milan start, says Claude Puel
Sunday 16 October 2016 20:29, UK
Claude Puel refused to confirm whether Charlie Austin would start for Southampton against Inter Milan after his two-goal cameo against Burnley.
Saints' 3-1 victory over Burnley took Puel's men up to eighth in the Premier League ahead of their Europa League trip to Inter Milan on Thursday.
Their total of 34 shots was the highest of any Premier League team in one match so far this season.
However, even after two further goals from Austin gave him a record of seven in his past six games, manager Claude Puel refused to guarantee he would start at Inter.
Asked if Austin's impressive form made him undroppable, the Frenchman said: "No, it's important he doesn't play all the games from the start.
"It's important you don't lose Charlie, it's important he's available every time, to keep a good physical level for every player.
"Charlie is not an endurance player; it's important to keep him with his qualities, and we can change the team every game. It's not possible, for me, for a player to start all the games every three days.
"We can keep all the players with a good performance all the time, and a good physical level. It's important to conserve [their energy], to continue this work for the team, for the future."
Puel was also asked about the England prospects of Austin and the similarly-impressive Nathan Redmond, who scored the hosts' second on the hour-mark at St. Mary's.
Puel added: "I would like a selection for all of my players. Many have good qualities.
"Two players, for example, had a good game. I'm happy for [Austin], for us. He likes to score.
"The team plays good football and takes confidence from Charlie's quality. At the moment he's very important and interesting for us."
