JACK Stephens described as “brilliant” the ability of former team-mate James Maddison, who he could come up against when Saints visit Leicester City on Saturday (8pm).

The central defender played in the same Coventry team as the England international, while on loan at the Sky Blues in 2016.

Stephens played 16 games in League One for the Midlands outfit – and revealed set-piece specialist Maddison’s desire to work on his game.

"He was brilliant,” said the defender, when asked about Maddison ahead of the trip to King Power Stadium.

“You could tell that his ability was second to none in the squad, really.

"I remember his mindset. He was always out on the pitch until the late afternoon with a bag of balls.

“It sounds so cliche but he really was determined to improve himself and harness his skills.

"Fair play to him, really, he's been absolutely brilliant ever since and he has matured as a player.”

Maddison signed for Leicester from Norwich for £22.5million in the summer of 2018.

He has played 21 times for the Foxes this season, scoring six goals and registering six assists.

"The ability he has got is phenomenal and he has come on every year now for four or five years,” said Stephens.

"But we are not going to focus on him, or on any specific individuals. We know Leicester and what they can do.

"We will go into the game with a positive tactical approach and we're confident that we can get the result.”