CHE Adams says everybody at Saints is "buzzing" about the return Jack Stephens, after the defender was pictured in training this week.

Stephens has not featured since limping off during the 0-0 draw at Manchester City in September, due to a hamstring tendon injury.

But the club this week showed the 27-year-old back training with the group ahead of Saturday's trip to Liverpool.

Discussing the return of Stephens, who was in fine form before being struck down by injury, striker Adams told the Daily Echo: "Obviously it’s been a long time for Stepho, but he’s a good lad and he’s strong enough to get through it.

"Everyone is buzzing to have him back and he’s just a great character to have around the training ground."

Speaking about his recovery in an interview with LiveScore earlier this month, Stephens said: "I have (set a target) — it might be a slightly different one to what the physios are thinking, though!

“Seriously, there is a game that I would like to be available for selection. That is my private target that I’m working towards.”

He continued: “The team are going really well, so just to be in the mix and available would be a good start.

“Things get really busy during the December period in terms of fixtures, so hopefully some rotation will give me a chance to get myself back in the team and I can nail down that starting spot again.”