SAINTS captain Jack Stephens featured for the Under 21s in their 2-2 draw against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday evening.

The defender played the first half (48 minutes) before being withdrawn as he continues to build fitness following his return from injury.

Stephens came off the bench against Blackburn Rovers last Saturday for his first appearance since August.

It wasn't an ideal start for the 29 year old as he lost possession, allowing Dinamo Zagreb to take the lead on 54 seconds.

Southampton did equalise through Luke Pearce's instinctive overhead kick before having a penalty appeal turned away.

Jake Vokins was brought down on the edge of the box, but the referee awarded a free-kick rather than a penalty.

Stephens was replaced at the break by Will Armitage as Russell Martin and his assistant Matt Gill watched on at Snows Stadium.

Dinamo Zagreb restored their lead 10 minutes into the second half through Vilim Gec, who fired in after a great move.

Southampton refused to be beaten and bounced back once more with Pearce adding a second with a powerful strike into the top corner.

Adam Asghar's side almost won it at the death when Pearce denied a hattrick by a good save from the Dinamo Zagreb keeper before Tyler Dibling had another effort saved.