SAINTS interim boss Simon Rusk credited Aaron Ramsdale's "energy" as he issued praise for the whole group after a 0-0 draw at Fulham.

New Saints manager Ivan Juric was in attendance as his new charges held the London side to a goalless Premier League draw at Craven Cottage.

Juric, who signed an 18-month contract at St Mary’s this week, watched from the stands as his new side picked up a much-needed point in difficult conditions.

Saints interim boss Rusk was on the touchline in place of a permanent boss as the heroics of goalkeeper Ramsdale frustrated Marco Silva’s men.

The result was Southampton's first positive in the league since the 1-1 draw at Brighton in November and cut the gap to eight points.

"Credit to the players," said Rusk. "I thought their mentality today and their concentration levels were excellent and that can be a really solid platform.

"Aaron's energy is fantastic for the group and we're fortunate to have such a top-level player representing our football club.

"He delivered a top-level moment for the team so it's great for Aaron. Great to see him back, I'm sure he's been very frustrated the last few weeks.

"I think hopefully now that's a great platform for not just Aaron but for the team as well bouncing forwards.

"There have been times this season where the margins have been tight and I have reminded the players of that over the last two games.

"Hopefully, that can be a catalyst to build on. The second half against Liverpool was excellent, as an away performance today I thought was excellent too.

"As an interim manager, it's less about your vision. If someone has moved on because it hasn't quite worked out, I think the role is to quickly assess.

"I don't think it's about style shifts, I think it's about assessing where the group was at, what the fixtures we had were and what's the best way to go."

Rusk made four changes for the trip to Fulham, with Ramsdale joined by Kyle Walker-Peters, Yukinari Sugawara and Adam Armstrong in the side.

"I wanted a bit of energy really, freshening things up is completely normal in the modern game, and the squad is there to be utilised," said Rusk.

"There was no major complexity in those decisions looking at the attributes that are needed for the game and what we might need at different times."