SAINTS manager Ivan Juric labelled club captain Jack Stephens a "quality player" after his return to team training following injury.

Stephens, 30, has not played a minute since he received a straight red card in the 5-1 home defeat to Chelsea on December 4.

The defender received a four-match ban and picked up a training ground injury before he was due to return from his suspension.

However, with Juric beaten in all six of his league matches as boss, his return to training this week has been warmly welcomed.

"I'm very happy that Stephens is with us and I have to say that the recovery of Stephens, they (the fitness staff) did a great job," said Juric.

"He did two training session without problems, and sometimes it's not like this. I see him very well. He's a quality player, competitive player, and he can give us a lot.

"In the middle, on the right side, left side, he's good. He's a very positive person. Like Adam (Lallana), he's pushing the group. I like him a lot.”

Stephens could return to the Saints squad for the first time in nearly two months when the St Mary's outfit visit Ipswich Town on Saturday, February 1.

The Torpoint-born former England youth international has made 191 appearances for Saints, with 147 appearances in the Premier League.

He was on loan at AFC Bournemouth the last time Saints were relegated and was made captain by former manager Russell Martin in August 2023.