SAINTS' international stars were this morning arriving at Staplewood for the start of pre-season - as the squad prepares to travel to Austria tomorrow.

The first intake of players reported back to the club’s training base last Monday, but the bulk of Ronald Koeman’s side were not due in until today.

That was because those who went away on international duty after the Premier League season finished were given some extra time off.

It has been a particularly short summer break this year, with the Premier League season having finished later than normal, and the upcoming one starting reasonably early.

With the club also beginning their Europa League campaign on July 30, in the third qualifying round, there was even less opportunity for rest this time round.

Saints depart tomorrow for the first leg of their pre-season trips abroad, with Austria the initial port of call.

The club are due to face a friendly against German second-division side RasenBallsport Leipzig on Wednesday (6pm).

Koeman will use those squad members who returned last week, meaning a number of under-21 players are likely to be given a chance to impress.

Saints’ visit to Austria will then conclude with the Audi quattro Cup, on Saturday, July 11.

The tournament will also involve hosts Red Bull Salzburg, Valencia and Werder Bremen, with matches only lasting 45 minutes.

Saints will play Valencia in the first semi-final (3pm), before either advancing to a third-place match (5.10pm) or the final (6.15pm).

Koeman is set to use the encounter with the Spanish side as the first chance to play those who arrived back for pre-season training this morning.

Saints then return home for a couple of days before travelling to the Netherlands for their second trip abroad.

There, they will face three friendly matches, against Groningen, on Saturday, July 18 (1.30pm), KVV Quick 1920, on Tuesday, July 21 (6pm), and Feyenoord, on Thursday, July 23 (7pm).