SAINTS under-21s boss Calum McFarlane says his side must learn from the sting of a 2-0 Premier League Cup semi-final defeat to Brentford.

The Bees thwarted attacks after executing an unexpected game plan at St Mary's, aided by Iwan Morgan's opening goal after 90 seconds.

The Bees defended deep while maintaining a potent threat on the break, and added a second with an emphatic finish from Caelan Avenell.

McFarlane, downcast by the result, insisted this will be vital learning for the club's top youngsters as they aim to carve out a career in senior football.

"We're disappointed. We wanted to go through to the final and to another game in a high-pressure environment," McFarlane told the Daily Echo. 

"I thought the manner in which we went out is something we can really learn from and something we don't experience in youth development.

"Brentford came here with a really clear game plan and executed it, to be honest, perfectly. Generally, games are quite open.

"It's often quite end-to-end. Combating that is something that they're going to have to learn if they're going to be senior players.

"Brentford changed from what they usually do and we should be happy bout that and take that as a massive show of respect.

Saints still have the Premier League 2 play-offs to aim forSaints still have the Premier League 2 play-offs to aim for (Image: Craig Hobbs / Southampton FC)

READ: Premier League Cup - Saints lose semi-final to Brentford

"We controlled the game but the early goal changed the narrative a little bit. We still had 89 minutes to get an equaliser, which we didn't manage to do."

Saints only had four days to recover between their 5-3 extra-time Premier League 2 play-off victory over Leicester and this semi-final against Brentford.

McFarlane made one change to his starting lineup, as Juan Larios returned in place of absent Jay Robinson, but didn't feel his players lacked energy.

"I don't think we look tired today. I was really happy with the intent and the application that we played with," added the boss. 

"I'm sure they're feeling it a little but now but when there's a cup final on the line, you find the motivation within yourself. 

"I'm sure they are tired but we've got to go again on Monday against Fulham. We don't even talk about that, we just stick to what we do."