SAINTS head coach Tonda Eckert is "very pleased" with Jack Stephens' recent contributions and praised the skipper for making his teammates better.

Several commentators have praised Stephens, often divisive amongst the fanbase, in recent weeks following Southampton's uptick in form.

Saints are undefeated in five Championship games since Stephens returned to the side to partner Taylor Harwood-Bellis in a 1-0 win over Sheffield United.

Captain Stephens had not managed to start more than three games in a row under Eckert before the switch to a back four in January.

He played a crucial role in that dramatic 4-3 win at Leicester, scoring the second goal, and Eckert believes the 32 year old is headed in the right direction.

"I think he's in a very good moment. Your peak age depends a little bit on your position, that's exactly where he is at as a centre-back at the moment," he told the Daily Echo.

Jack Stephens has urged Saints not to forget how poor they were in the first-half against Leicester. (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson)

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