JANNIK Vestergaard’s been told to take the chance that could come his way in light of Jack Stephens’s three-match suspension.

Vestergaard has had to watch on as both Jan Bednarek and Stephens became Ralph Hasenhuttl’s defensive pairing.

The towering centre-half attracted interest from Leicester in January and reports claim the Foxes are still interested.

But Hasenhuttl wants Vestergaard to use the remaining games to show he’s worth holding on to.

“I think these nine games are a good chance for the players to show up again because we knew we would have injuries and suspensions, especially as it’s an intense time,” Saints’ manager said.

“We will need players to step in and they will have to be in the best shape.

“Players that aren’t happy they haven’t been playing from the beginning will now have the chance to show up.

“I want to see how these players react on the pitch.”

Should Vestergaard start on Sunday, he’ll be going up against Watford skipper Troy Deeney.

Deeney’s scored six times this season but causes a whole host of problems for defenders due to his playing style.

However, given Vestergaard isn’t lacking in physical presence himself, he should be able to deal with the Hornets’ striker.

Asked whether a potential battle with Deeney would suit the 27-year-old, Hasenhuttl doesn’t think it’s fair to summarise his player’s attributes in this way.

“I think in every Premier League team you have a physically strong centre-forward,” the Austrian added.

“If you want to play in the Premier League you have to have this quality and if you are reduced as a centre-back that can only play against a big striker that’s not good for any player.

“You should have the quality to fight against the small quick ones or the strong ones.

“It doesn’t make any difference.”