Rusk hopes Still 'encouraged' by Southampton display

Southampton interim head coach Simon Rusk hopes incoming boss Will Still was "encouraged" by their performance against Arsenal.

The Saints lost 2-1 but were able to get back on level terms after going behind. It took a late Martin Odegaard strike from outside the box to win the game for the second-placed Gunners.

Still was announced as the new boss an hour before kick-off and was spotted watching on from the stands.

"I would have like to have thought that he saw a team that, in spite of difficult circumstances, were committed," Rusk said after the game.

"They were running for each other and wanted to have an element of dignity in terms of how the season ended. I hope that encouraged him."

Rusk took over after Southampton parted ways with Ivan Juric, his departure announced once relegation to the Championship was confirmed.

Still will step in as the new men's first-team manager and faces the task of trying to bounce back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

"First of all, congratulation to Will on the appointment," Rusk added.

"I'm sure he's had to work very hard to get a job at a prestigious club such as Southampton. I haven't had chance to speak to him yet but I think it's good for everyone that we can now have some clarity.

"My focus has been on supporting the players and club in fairly unique circumstances. All along that came first and now that is done I will get some direction on what is next for me."