JACK Stephens’ full focus is on Cherries, with the Saints defender not thinking about the situation at his parent club whilst on loan at the Vitality Stadium.

Saints academy graduate Stephens swapped Hampshire for Dorset on deadline day in August when he joined Cherries on a season-long loan deal.

The centre-back has featured in over 150 games for Saints since joining from Plymouth Argyle in 2011, finding himself on the fringes of the squad at St Mary’s near the end of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s reign.

With the Austrian departing Saints earlier this month, it means when Stephens’ loan expires and he returns to the club, he will encounter a new manager in the dugout.

The defender’s current deal at St Mary’s reportedly runs until the summer of 2024.

A new manager is a hot topic at Cherries, with the Dorset club sacking Scott Parker days before Stephens’ arrival.

During the centre-back’s stint at the club, he has played under interim boss Gary O’Neil, with a decision regarding the first team manager role at the Vitality Stadium yet to be made.

Asked about the situation at Saints, Stephens told the Daily Echo: “I'm not thinking about stuff outside of this football club, because they signed me on loan for the season.

“I absolutely like to be here, I've said that numerous times and I've enjoyed it since I first walked through the door.

“So this season for me is about enjoying football. Obviously the aim is to stay in the division.

“We're on course to do that, so that's all I’m focusing on.”
Despite being one of the most experienced players at Cherries’ disposal, the 28-year-old has made just three Premier League appearances out of a possible nine.

Stephens finally received his first start in the League Cup victory over Everton, before being named in a Premier League starting XI for the first time for Cherries in the league rematch with the Toffees four days later.

The form of Chris Mepham had kept Stephens out of the side, but with the Welshman suspended for the last Premier League game before the break for the World Cup, the Saints loanee was given an opportunity to stake a claim for first-team football.

“I still feel really involved in the group,” added Stephens.

“I had to wait for an opportunity, which came midweek and obviously managed to play two games in a week, which I'm really pleased about.

“Since I've come in here, the lads have been playing really good and they've been putting in some really good performances.

“So it's about being patient. And obviously Gaz (Gary O’Neil) has spoken to me, and I understand the situation.”