Southampton boss Claude Puel is confident youngster Jack Stephens can fill in for Virgil van Dijk if the Dutchman is unable to shake off an ankle injury ahead of their EFL semifinal second leg against Liverpool.
The England Under-21 international replaced Van Dijk during the second half of their 3-0 victory over Leicester on Sunday which was only the centre-back's sixth appearance for the Saints in all competitions.
Puel's side face the daunting task of travelling to Merseyside on Wednesday as they look to preserve their 1-0 lead from the first leg.
For much of the season, Puel has stuck with his rotational policy but the possibility of missing a key player like Van Dijk does not worry the boss as he believes the occasion will not concern Stephens, despite his lack of experience.