Southampton are reaching the halfway point of their first ever Europa League group stage campaign under new manager Claude Puel.

The Frenchman arrived at St Mary’s during the summer following the departure of Ronald Koeman to Everton and the Saints have made a decent start under his stewardship.

His side have picked up three league wins from their opening eight league games, and lost just twice, both of which coming in their first four games of the season.

The Saints are unbeaten in their last seven games prior to their trip to the San Siro on Thursday, where they will take on an Inter Milan side that have lost both of the Europa League games so far.

Puel might use Thursday as an opportunity to see a few fringe players in action to establish whether they’d be able deputies in the first team if called upon.

Here are THREE players who should be given the chance on Thursday…

James Ward-Prowse

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

It seems a bit of a surprise that James Ward-Prowse has only made one Premier League start this season, especially given his performances when he’s come off the bench for the Saints.

Playing away at Inter Milan will provide a real test for this Southampton side, even if the Italians are bottom of Group K, and if Ward-Prowse plays in midfield, it could tell Saints boss Puel a lot about the 21-year-old.

He should certainly get a start on Thursday.

Jay Rodriguez

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Jay Rodriguez made his England debut in 2013 but, to this day, that’s the only time he’s played for his country.

It’s a shame because the 27-year-old was in terrific form for the Saints, but injuries have hindered his progress.

But now he’s regaining full fitness, Southampton fans will hope that he can regain his prior form for the Saints, and an appearance on Thursday would go some way to accelerating that process.

He’s made just one start so far, albeit a few niggling injuries have been to blame, but needs more time on the pitch to get back to anywhere near the level he was a few years ago.

Alex McCarthy

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

If you’re a Premier League manager, there must become a time whereby you need to know whether or not all the goalkeepers at the club could do a job if called upon for the first team.

Puel must be the same, which is why Southampton’s number two Alex McCarthy should be given his second start of the season on Thursday.

The 26-year-old has proven to be a solid shot-stopper at a high level before, based on past spells at Crystal Palace and Reading, so should be given the chance to compete with Fraser Forster for the number one jersey.

Forster is a quality goalkeeper, there’s no doubt about that, but if he gets injured or suspended, McCarthy would take the gloves, so it’s integral that he has game time in case such eventuality comes to pass.