MATTHEW LE TISSIER is playing down talk of a possible international recall to concentrate on giving Saints a flying start to the season.

Coach Kevin Keegan has picked out Le Tissier along with Paul Gascoigne as the two creative midfielders who can boost England's flagging fortunes.

And he cannot fail to have been impressed with the Saints star's slide-rule pass for Egil Ostenstad to hit the only goal at Coventry on Saturday.

It was the first time Saints have won their opening fixture in 11 attempts since 1988, even though nine of those games have been at home.

And Le Tissier is determined to help build on that rather than look ahead to the Euro 2000 qualifier at home to Luxembourg on September 4.

He said: "I did not find out what Kevin Keegan had said until after the game at Coventry so I can't say it affected the way I played.

"It was nice to hear but to be honest it will mean nothing unless I am playing well for Southampton. Of course I would love to play for England again. Everyone knows how much it means to me and it is nice to know I have not been forgotten.

"But it is a case of one step at a time. If I get my club form right then hopefully the rest will follow and it was certainly an encouraging start at Coventry.

"I think I am the only survivor from the side which beat West Ham on the opening day in 1988 so it makes a nice change to get off to a winning start."

In addition to setting up the winner, Le Tissier frequently popped up in defence to help keep out a lively Coventry side to the delight of manager Dave Jones.

He said: "I have always said there is no reason why Matt should not get back in the England team. Everyone is crying out for a man who can open up defences and he showed again on Saturday that he can do that.

"But it is down to him as it always has been. "He did not have the best of seasons last time but has come back determined to put it right. If he keeps fit and sharp and free of injury and keeps doing what is asked of him then there is no reason why he should not get the call.

"Matt did exactly what was asked of him and then set up the goal with a typical piece of skill. It was a great ball but he had two players making runs for him to pick out and that was pleasing too.

"Egil took the goal very well and has looked very sharp throughout pre-season. I know James Beattie was injured but Egil had earned the shirt with his previous displays."

"But it was hard to pick out anyone. I thought we were magnificent. We stuck to the task, looked solid and had good movement up front. It is a nice feeling to have got off to a winning start for once."

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