Southampton boss Claude Puel has praised the character of his players after they ground out a 1-0 win over Swansea City in the Premier League.

The Saints boss said that his team's "spirit" and "attitude" are what helped them secure their first league victory of the campaign.

"It was a difficult game. I say congratulations to my players - they kept a good spirit and a good attitude. We found the solution to score," BBC Sport quotes Puel as saying.

"It is important for the future. We have to play every few days, many games, and it is hard physically. It is important for the squad to play games and improve and make progress."

Charlie Austin scored the only goal of the game in the second half, firing Southampton up to 14th in the table in the process.