Saints continue their gentle start to pre-season with a trip to fourth-tier Spanish outfit Palamós tonight.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side began their summer schedule with a 2-1 win over Unió Esportivo Llagostera on Wednesday.

Palamós, who play a level below those opponents, will provide the next test, as preparations for the new Premier League season continue.

Saints are currently on the first leg of their training camp, in Spain, and will move on to Austria after tonight’s match, where they will face games against far more serious teams, in the shape of German club Schalke and Turkish side Beºiktaº.

Pochettino used 21 players in the victory over Llagostera and could give playing time against Palamós to some of those who didn’t feature.

Maya Yoshida was a spectator in midweek, having not long joined up with the squad following his involvement with Japan in the Confederations Cup.

The centre-half has now had extra time to train and get up to speed, and will likely see some action this evening at the Nou Estadi Municipal, in Catalunya (kick-off 6pm BST).

Fellow defender Jos Hooiveld missed the Llagostera game with a knock, as did striker Emmanuel Mayuka, and will be assessed.

Gastón Ramírez will not feature, as he is yet to link up with Saints, following his participation with Uruguay in the Confederations Cup.

The £12m playmaker is due to arrive on the tour next week.

New signings Victor Wanyama and Dejan Lovren both made their debuts for the club on Wednesday night, playing the entire second half, and should be given another run-out this evening.

Jay Rodriguez was the star performer against Llagostera, playing three-quarters of the match and scoring both goals.

Saints will return home for a short while after next Saturday’s clash with Beºiktaº, before heading back out to Spain for a meeting with Celta Vigo on August 3.

Pre-season will then conclude at home to Real Sociedad, on Saturday, August 10.