HULL boss Steve Bruce heaped praise on Saints after yesterday’s Premier League encounter.

“They were going to be everbody’s whipping boys this season apparently, but they’ve bought well and the manager (Ronald Koeman) needs a pat on the back,” he said.

“Arguably they’re as good as they were last year. It looks as if what they've let go has been replaced with real quality.

“Southampton are a very good side and it's no fluke that they're at the top end of the division.”

Eldin Jakupovic’s botched clearance gave Victor Wanyama the chance to try his luck from 40 yards after just three minutes and the Kenyan midfielder produced a wonderful finish to secure a 1-0 win.

Bruce admitted the early error by Jakupovic, his third choice keeper making only his third Premier League start, was a decisive moment.

“It's disappointing to lose a game by a mistake again,” he added.

“It's a great finish by Wanyama but you make a mistake like that after a couple of minutes and it sets everybody back on their heels.

“To go 1-0 down to a goal like that is difficult to take for everybody, it shocked the whole stadium, the players and everyone.”