JACK Stephens is set to be on the bench when Saints host Brighton tomorrow (3pm).

The centre-back has been out of action since suffering a hamstring tendon injury during the 0-0 draw at Manchester City in September.

But, having returned to training last week, Stephens is now ready to link up once again with the matchday squad.

However, despite Jan Bednarek being set to miss the visit of the Seagulls due to a calf problem, Stephens is unlikely to come straight into the starting XI.

Asked if Stephens was fit enough to feature from the off against Brighton, Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: "It is good to have him back.

"He hasn’t had so many sessions so far with the team, but this weekend he will be for the first time back on the bench and then hopefully it is the next step for him.

"Then he is coming back to play for us."

Stuart Armstrong and Fraser Forster are also set to be unavailable to face Brighton due to injury.