JACK Stephens says he has been left “so proud” of the performances David Brooks has produced this season.

Southampton captain Stephens became a teammate of Brooks during his own loan spell at Cherries in 2022-23.

The pair then reunited for the second half of the 23-24 campaign, Brooks leaving Cherries to join Saints on loan.

Both Stephens and Brooks started last weekend’s Championship play-off final, as Saints beat Leeds United 1-0 to return to the Premier League at the first attempt.

Brooks, who was forced off at Wembley due to a shoulder injury, was keen to head out on loan to get more game-time, having missed a large chunk of football during his cancer recovery.

Brooks played 20 times for Saints, scoring two goals and providing six assists, including teeing up Will Smallbone to break the deadlock against West Bromwich Albion in the play-off semi-finals.

“I love Brooksy, I love him,” Stephens told the Daily Echo.

“I met him at Bournemouth obviously last season and he’s a brilliant person.

“Obviously a fantastic person, we know that. What a brilliant guy.

“To go through what he’s gone through and come back to play football is an incredible story in itself.

“But to come back and play at the level that he is and be the player that he is, is amazing.

“I’m so proud of him.

“Obviously I was gutted for him (at Wembley), because seeing him break down in tears in the first half was tough for me to see.

“But I’m delighted we got the job done, because we can all enjoy that together and that’s what we will do.”

Bournemouth Echo: Jack Stephens lifts the Championship play-off trophy

Stephens played 17 times during a loan spell at Cherries last season, playing a pivotal role under Gary O’Neil in the successful battle to avoid relegation.

Reflecting on promotion back to the top flight, the 30-year-old said: “I'm just emotional, to be honest - and drained. I'm so proud of this group and the football club. I'm delighted.

"I'm trying to talk without getting emotional about it because it's been a hell of a ride. I've been through so much, so many ups and downs.

"I think it's just the pride to get over the line here, to see the fans enjoy it, to see my mates enjoy it. I can't even talk about my family.

"We knew that it was going to be tough, because cup finals are very edgy. It was between two fantastic sides. 

"Unfortunately, there's been four outstanding teams this season. One was always going to miss out.

"I'm just very, very grateful and thankful that we've managed to get over the line and we are not the ones who are missing out.

"You just have to enjoy moments like this, because when you're a footballer, there's only a small percentage of players that win trophies on a regular basis.

"We all strive for it, but unfortunately, as players, you don't get that many.

"You have to enjoy these days. You have to really soak it up and embrace it. I just can't wait to do that with my family, all the boys and everyone at the club, because we all deserve it."