NATHAN Redmond described a "whirlwind" few weeks away from the pitch, which saw him both overcome COVID-19 and also become a father for the first time.

The 27-year-old made his first start in more than a month during Wednesday night's 2-2 draw with Leicester City.

Following the win over Watford in October, Redmond contracted coronavirus and missed subsequent matches against Aston Villa and Norwich City. Between those two fixtures, his partner Blaise also gave birth to a son, named Knight.

Redmond came off the bench at half-time of Saturday's 4-0 loss at Liverpool, before playing the full 90 minutes against the Foxes at St Mary's, providing an assist for Che Adams to score.

Discussing his return to the side, Redmond told the Daily Echo: "Obviously it’s been a little while, out with COVID and then the birth of my son.

"So it’s been a whirlwind the last couple of weeks.

"But I’ve been itching to get back and try and help my teammates and this club to win some games."

Asked how stressful a time it was to have caught COVID just before his son was due to arrive, Redmond added: "It was a bit tough being in the house, but the club were great.

"They gave me the tools to stay fit on the bike and the gym sessions and stuff like that.

"It was just about trying to maintain as much fitness as I could whilst still being indoors.

"I’m back now, feeling good, feeling sharp and ready for this Christmas schedule."

As for fatherhood, Redmond said: "It’s true, no sleep, but we’re getting there!"

The Birmingham-born ace made an important contribution on his return to the side, as Saints scored two goals from set pieces, having only managed one all season prior to the visit of Leicester.

"It was straight off the training ground," said Redmond.

"We’ve been working on them, as we always do. Sometimes they come off, sometimes they don’t. (On Wednesday) fortunately they did."

Asked if he was happy with the point, the one-time England international said: "After the first half I think we said we wanted all three, but after the second half, they weren’t going to give us the opportunity to press as they did.

"So I think we’re happy with the point. Could we have got all three? Probably.

"But I think we’ll take a point going into this week."

Saints host Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (3pm).