Club captain Stephens returned to the side at the first opportunity for Southampton’s 1-0 defeat at Man City on Saturday.

He had missed the last five games after getting a three-game ban for a red card against Man United before receiving a further two-match suspension following a misconduct charge.

Martin praised the defender when speaking to the Daily Echo and pointed out his role in keeping the reigning champions at bay after Erling Haaland’s early goal.

Asked if it was a simple decision to stick Stephens straight back in, Martin said: “100 per cent, yeah.

“Especially in a tough time, when you see someone day-to-day – he’s an amazing footballer. You saw that last season when he played different roles for us and with what he can do with the ball.

“(He has) Brilliant awareness and he’s technically really good. He maybe lacks the athleticism that some players have, which is a bit more eye-catching.

“But in terms of mentality and willingness to play the way we want to play and the belief the other players have in him, he’s huge.”

Stephens played for the under-21s last week in a bid to tick over his minutes before returning to the senior side.