JACK Stephens shared how he is always ready to step in when needed following his surprise start at the weekend.

The inclusion of Southampton loanee Stephens in the starting XI for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest raised a few eyebrows among Cherries supporters, with the 28-year-old largely serving as back-up this campaign.

It was just his second league start of the campaign, and his sixth appearance in all competitions for Cherries.

Chris Mepham, who himself has come from the sidelines to re-establish himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet, made way, with fellow first-choice centre-back Marcos Senesi also dropping to the bench as Stephens partnered skipper Lloyd Kelly in the heart of defence.

The bold move almost paid off, with Cherries’ clean sheet prevented seven minutes from time by Sam Surridge’s late strike.

Asked when he was informed he would be playing, Stephens told the Daily Echo: “I found out (Friday) when we went through the shape for (the game).

“I was delighted to get the nod, and I tried to do my best to help the team. It was a good point for us.

“I wouldn't say it's easy. I'd prefer obviously to be playing regularly, and build up the momentum.

“You're able to find your rhythm but I feel like I've played enough games now to get myself ready when I'm needed.

“If that's going to be like (against Forest), where it's been a while since I've played, I feel like I can get myself ready for that.

“I thought we played well. I thought especially first half, I thought we really dominated them.

“Second half, they obviously came back into it, which they were always going to do, they weren't just going to allow us to keep playing like that.

“But we still created chances in the second half and probably enough to win the game really.

“So it is obviously a little bit disappointing that we didn't win the game. But I think we'll look back at this as a decent point, keeps us moving forward.”

The point earnt represents Cherries’ first under the permanent reign of Gary O’Neil, the draw ending a run of six defeats.

Asked what was more important, the improved performance or the result, Stephens replied: “I think both (are equally as important).

“Obviously performances are important for us because ultimately that will win us enough games if we perform well enough, so it's important to focus on the performances.

“But sometimes you just need that result, just to change your fortunes, just to sort of kick on again. And obviously (against Forest) was that point, could it have been three? Probably.

“And we're disappointed with that but, we'll take it and we'll move on.”