Southampton manager Claude Puel has claimed that he hauled off Jake Hesketh in the 34th minute of tonight's Europa League game against Hapoel Be'er Sheva in order to "protect" the young midfielder.

Dusan Tadic was brought off the bench to replace the 20-year-old at the Turner Stadium in what turned out to be a goalless draw in Israel.

After the match, Puel told BT Sport: "It's a good result because we played a very good team. If we cannot win a game it's important to take one point and I think it's important for the future.

"[There] was tactical problem for the team. [Hesketh is] a young player. It was a good experience for him but the pressure of the fans, of the opponents - it was very difficult. It was important to protect Jake."

Southampton remain at the top of Group K on the same points as second-placed Be'er Sheva, while Sparta Prague are third and Inter Milan sit bottom having lost their opening two games.