SAINTS boss Russell Martin revealed that Jack Stephens has returned to the training pitch after 12 weeks out through injury. 

The captain has been working his way back to fitness after sustaining a knock to his calf during Southampton's August 26 victory over QPR.

Saints went on to lose their next four games without Stephens, but have since recovered and sit fourth in the table on 30 points.

Stephens received a round of applause from his teammates in the meeting room following his return to the grass.

Speaking ahead of Saints' trip to Huddersfield, Martin said: "It’s a big day for him. He’s been back on the grass and training.

"He’s worked so hard, the club have documented that on social media and stuff. His attitude has been immense.

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"He is going to take a little bit of time again. We have to manage him through this period and hopefully, we can get him back in the squad soon."

Saints also received a major fitness boost ahead of the international break when Ross Stewart made his long-awaited club debut.

The Scot has used the break to build his fitness further, and featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against MK Dons.

"He played a bit longer (against MK Dons)," Martin continued. "I don’t want to put expectations on Ross because he has been out such a long time, but I think the reception he got was incredible from the fans.

"I put him in a different position which is one that he can do so this period has been really good for him and he is part of the squad now training.

"It’s now about getting as fit as he possibly can and understanding what we are asking of him but he’s been really impressive."

Three Southampton players didn't feature for their country despite initially being called up this month.

Kamaldeen Sulemana was replaced by Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, while Che Adams was replaced by Hearts’ Lawrence Shankland.

Will Smallbone, who picked up a knock against West Brom, was named in the Republic of Ireland squad but wasn’t named in either of their match-day squads.

Asked about their fitness, Martin noted that the break has helped get them to a better spot than they were two weeks ago.

"I think we’re in a fairly good place. We are in a better place than maybe we thought we would be. I don’t think we could have hoped for much more.

"The guys that have been here are closer to fitness than they were two weeks ago. I think we are in pretty good shape.

"People have done a lot of travelling as well. The hardest thing now is picking the team because we have had some real consistency.

"We had a three-game week where people were nursing injuries. We’ve had people go away and play varying minutes and varying amounts of travel so it has been an interesting preparation.

"The week has changed a little bit so we could get everyone in today. It’s been good to have everyone back who stayed behind - the practice match against MK Dons was great.

"It had some good moments for people and minutes on the pitch. Now we are ready and prepared for another different test ahead of a really busy schedule."