PUEL: IT’S TIME SAINTS PUT THEIR FEET UP

SOUTHAMPTON’S players can look forward to a mini pre-Christmas break following today’s Premier League south-coast derby against Bournemouth.

After a relentless period of domestic, European and international football, Saints boss Claude Puel (below) will schedule time for rest and recuperation ahead of Saints’ next game against Tottenham on December 28.

“After this game, there is three days off for the squad,” Puel said.

“We have already played 25 official games – and more for the international players.

“We are one of the top ten teams with international players and the number of minutes played.

“This is very high and for a team like Southampton, this is the first season for many of the players playing every three days.

“Of course we suffered a big MICHAEL DEAN disappointment in the Europa League but it is important for the future. “Three days after this game will be important for the players – not just for the physical level but all to stay with their families.” Saints’ immediate task is a Vitality Stadium appointment with Eddie Howe’s Cherries. Their local rivals sit level on points with Southampton and lie just one place behind them. Puel is no stranger to derby occasions. He said: “I saw this with many games in France. “For our supporters it is important to get a good result against Bournemouth.” Puel has no fresh injury worries. Keeper Alex McCarthy is back in training but Oriel Romeu is out with a one-match ban after his fifth booking of the season.