DEVELOPMENT squad head coach Shaun Cooper praised loanee Jack Stephens for his “professionalism” in agreeing to play for the under-23s on Friday night, hailing the defender for setting an “example” to the under-23s.

Stephens, who joined Cherries on loan from Southampton on deadline day, played the full 90 minutes of the 2-1 win over Derby, sparking a comeback with a fine solo effort.

Playing at centre-back, the 28-year-old intercepted a stray pass before driving up the pitch, cruising through the Derby defence, before sending the ball into the back of the net via the inside of the far post.

Reflecting on the first-teamer’s moment of quality, Cooper told the Daily Echo: “Obviously it was a good press and then Jack Stephens stepped out, intercepted it and he just kept going with the ball.

“I think even he was desperate to pass it!

“Then he realised he had no choice but to shoot and it was a brilliant finish.”

With Stephens on loan at the Vitality Stadium, the Daily Echo understands Cherries had to seek permission from his parent club Southampton in order to play in the Premier League cup tie.

Not only did Saints have to agree, but the player himself was also happy to play in order to boost his own match fitness.

So far this campaign, the Torpoint-born defender has played a total of 47 minutes in the Premier League, coming off the bench twice for Saints in their first two fixtures, before making his debut for Cherries as a substitute away at Newcastle.

Cooper, who is currently working with the first team as assistant to interim boss Gary O’Neil, shared how there were “no surprises” when it came to Stephen’s qualities.

He restarted: “I mean, there's no surprises.

“We know he is a quality player, he came in and he was just that.

“But the best thing about Jack is his attitude, his professionalism.

“To want to play was the first thing, but then to handle himself as professionally as he did and set the example, and guide and communicate to the rest of the players throughout the game.

“It was a credit to him, really. Thought he looked very comfortable, he came through it fine and I'm really pleased with him, actually, that he scored a very good goal.”

After getting through the clash unscathed, Stephens will be in contention this weekend when Cherries host Brentford at the Vitality Stadium (kick-off 3pm).