MAYA Yoshida has revealed that he tried to help promising defender Jack Stephens through a difficult period at Saints - because he knew he was a "good talent".

Stephens had to be patient for his chance at Saints, with 45 months separating his debut in 2012 and his next appearance last October in the 1-0 League Cup win over Sunderland.

The Cornishman, who turns 23 today, had to bide his time, but his perseverance paid off in impressive style as Saints booked a place at a Wembley final in the League Cup.

With Virgil van Dijk injured, Stephens made his sixth appearance of the season alongside Yoshida at centre-back as Claude Puel’s side triumphed 1-0 (2-0 on aggregate) at Liverpool in the League Cup semi-final second leg.

The Japanese defender, who has also often had to wait for his playing opportunities during his Saints career, beamed as he spoke of Stephens’ excellent display.

“He did very well. It was really difficult for him, I guess. It was in such a great stadium, a great atmosphere and we defended a lot,” he said.

“I understand his situation, how difficult it was for him the last six months because I had the same situation a few years ago.

“That’s why I tried to keep him positive and always tried to help him because he’s such a good talent as well as another player who came up from the academy.

“I was very happy for him last night, but it’s just one game done. We need to continue like this. We need to show who we are. It’s all about ourselves.”

After arriving on the south coast in 2011 as a 17-year-old from Plymouth Argyle, Stephens made his first-team bow in an FA Cup tie at Coventry in January 2012.

However, the England Under-21 international then spent time on loan at Swindon, Middlesbrough and Coventry, before returning to St Mary’s last summer to try and force his way into Claude Puel’s thoughts.

Now, with options limited at centre-back - after Virgil van Dijk’s injury and Jose Fonte’s departure - both Yoshida and Stephens have climbed the pecking order.

The 28-year-old Japan international stated that he felt “really comfortable” next to Stephens at Anfield.

“Of course it’s different partnering Jack. It’s different types and different personality and different qualities,” he said.

“I was really comfortable with him last night, so there’s no doubt about him.

“It was totally fine. I believe in his quality.”

After the elation of reaching Wembley, Yoshida could barely sleep on Wednesday night.

He said: “It’s so exciting. I couldn’t sleep at all last night. It’s a really important victory for us to go through to the final at Wembley.

“We also made another clean sheet, which is really important for me and the club. I’m buzzing.”