SOUTHAMPTON MANAGER CLAUDE Puel has explained his early substitution of Ireland striker Shane Long in yesterday’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.

Long speaking to Puel after the substitution.

The Saints boss brought Long on for James Ward-Prowse on the hour-mark, but then withdrew him 22 minutes later.

Long looked visibly upset with the decision and spoke to Puel and assistant manager Eric Black after being replaced by Jay Rodriguez.

He then walked straight down the tunnel.

But Puel says the forward was feeling his hamstring and the change was made as a precaution.

It was difficult,” the Frenchman told the Southern Daily Echo. “It seems that Shane felt a touch himself his hamstring and it seems a misunderstanding between him and the staff.

“It was a precaution to take off Shane but I hope it’s nothing and it will be good for Shane tomorrow or the next day.”

Shane Long gets subbed on at 60' and subbed off after 82'. Cue intense stare down with management... pic.twitter.com/Vb6HJ1AoHs

— Sean McMahon (@Sean_McMahon89) April 15, 2017

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