SAINTS interim boss Simon Rusk insisted Charlie Taylor was a "victim of circumstances" as he explained his lack of involvement this season.

Taylor, 31, who signed for Saints on a free transfer last summer, played 90 minutes of the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on the Premier League's final day.

It was the former Burnley man's first appearance since January - a 5-0 defeat to Brentford - and only his eighth league outing this season. 

Rusk, who served as interim manager for the final seven games of the Premier League season, has now stepped aside with Will Still appointed.

But speaking after Sunday's match, he said: "Charlie Taylor was exceptional, really nice for him because he's endured a tough year. 

Saints interim boss Simon Rusk applauding the fansSaints interim boss Simon Rusk applauding the fans (Image: Stuart Martin)

"Sometimes it just happens, doesn't it, that people fall out of favour, get injuries at the wrong time. Other players step in.

"Changing managers probably doesn't help. I'm the third one this year and sometimes time runs out with a couple of lads in my seven games.

"Maybe it's not helpful that we had a perfect storm of a big squad and games Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, with no midweek games to mix it up.

"Up until this week, very few injuries, so someone like Charlie who's not been in the mix all year can become a victim of them circumstances."

Taylor had not even been named in the squad since February, after admitting he would leave the club in January if he felt he would go unused.

He could depart St Mary's in the summer but his performance against the Gunners could have breathed new life into a faltering Saints career.

Taylor was called into the squad by Rusk after injuries to three central defenders - Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek.