MANAGER Russell Martin labelled Taylor Harwood-Bellis a "proper teammate" for his role in getting Jack Stephens back onto the pitch.

The skipper made his first appearance since August, coming on from the bench in the 66th minute of Southampton's 4-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Stephens' return came as Saints recorded their fifth straight home win and kept a clean sheet for a third consecutive game at St Mary's.

Martin explained his decision to replace Harwood-Bellis to the young defender straight after he was substituted.

Martin said: "He was good as gold, he's a proper teammate. The group is brilliant and in a really good place.

"I explained to him that this was the perfect chance to give Jack some minutes - his first since August.

"Taylor said 'Yeah, I'm cool - let him enjoy it, I'm knackered anyway.' Taylor has been amazing. We have got real competition there now.

"That's a problem for me and it's a good problem to have. We will see how that evolves over the next couple of weeks but we will need everyone.

"Mason is probably the only outfield player who hasn't got on the pitch so he will probably be frustrated.

"Today shows that we need every player to contribute going forward and they are a really good group to work with."

When speaking to the Echo earlier this month, Harwood-Bellis admitted he is aware that Stephens is "coming" for his shirt.

The England Under-21 captain has formed a solid partnership with Jan Bednarek, which has seen Mason Holgate limited to only five league appearances.

"It's pretty obvious that he is coming for one of our shirts, that's what he is there to do and there is no mistaking that.

"The way we do it and the relationships we have with players in the same positions in the squad, it's always all respectful.

"If he deserves to play then he will play but it is just about keeping our foot on the gas, staying professional and keeping him out of the team."