SAINTS boss Ivan Juric insisted there is a technical reason behind his decision to snub Armel Bella-Kotchap in a surprising decision.

Bella-Kotchap, 23, has been in the last three Premier League squads but midfielder Joe Aribo was preferred to the defender at Ipswich Town.

Just 56 minutes into Southampton's 2-1 win, half-time substitute Jack Stephens - who replaced injured Taylor Harwood-Bellis - was forced off.

Instead of bringing on Bella-Kotchap, Juric opted to move goalscorer Aribo to centre-back and bring on Will Smallbone for the skipper.

It meant the former German international was again unused but when asked by the ​Daily Echo, manager Juric explained his thinking.

He said: "I think he's in the best position to play when he's in the middle and maybe right centre-back but I think (James) Bree, (Jan) Bednarek - they are good.

Saints boss Ivan Juric at Portman Road (Image: PA)

"That's it. Joe is a spectacular guy, he gave everything for the team in the midfield and then in the second half at left centre-back.

"He did a really great game. With the goal, with the defending, everything, technically very good. He was really good today."

Saints will learn the extent of the injuries to Harwood-Bellis and Stephens this week and it could mean Bella-Kotchap's services are yet required.

However, the club have also launched a loan bid for Strasbourg defender Abakar Sylla, 22, ahead of Monday's winter transfer deadline at 11pm.

Saints take on Championship challengers Burnley in the FA Cup fourth round at St Mary's on Saturday, February 8, with Juric keen to progress.