MANAGER Ivan Juric admitted he is "not very optimistic" about Jack Stephens' fitness after the captain was withdrawn on his Saints return at Ipswich.

Defender Stephens only lasted 10 minutes at Portman Road after coming on as a half-time substitute, replacing Taylor Harwood-Bellis, before he was forced off with injury.

The 31 year old looked dejected as soon as he hit the ground and was withdrawn quickly following a check from the medical team.

Stephens had come on for his first appearance since being shown a red card against Chelsea in December, his return delayed by an injury sustained in training.

READ MORE: Juric labels Stephens 'a quality player' as he opens door to captain's return

Saints captain Jack Stephens was dubbed as a quality player by Ivan Juric. (Image: PA) Asked about Stephens' injury, Juric told the Daily Echo: "It seems that (it was) his calf we will see and I'm not very optimistic, I'm really sorry for him.

"He wanted to play (on) like really hard and now we will see that, we will see tomorrow. I'm sorry for him."

Saints also lost Welington midway through the second half on his Saints debut after the Brazilian full-back appeared to pull up with cramp.

The 23 year old, making his first senior appearance since mid-October, had been booked following a late tackle on Axel Tuanzebe in the first half.

Juric explained he replaced Welington with Yukinari Sugawara because the former Sao Paulo defender had run out of gas.