The 21-year-old arrived at the Riverside Stadium last week on a season-long deal from the Saints, after making 37 appearances for Swindon Town in League One.
And Stephens, who began his career at Plymouth Argyle before switching to the St. Mary’s outfit in April 2011, admits a switch to Teesside was an opportunity not to be missed.
"It [the move] came about on Thursday and I just had to pack my stuff up and get up here," he told MFC.co.uk.
'It was a no-brainer for me to come here and hopefully we can have a successful season'
Jack Stephens on his move to Boro
"It was a no-brainer for me to come here and hopefully we can have a successful season.
"I’ve played most of my football even further away from home – Plymouth, that’s where I’m from – but it [the distance] wasn’t really an issue for me.
"I just had to think in football terms and this was by far the best move I could have got. All of the lads were very welcoming to me and they’ve all said it’s a positive place to be."
Middlesbrough’s defensive duo of Daniel Ayala and Ben Gibson, who represented England at the U21s European Championship, were the meanest in the division last season as they helped the club record the best defensive record in the Championship.
Another Young Lion international Dael Fry, who featured at centre-half in England U18s’ recent double-header against Russia, has also shot into the first-team fold after producing a number of impressive performances for Aitor Karanka’s side in pre-season.
But despite the competition for a place in the starting XI, Stephens is hoping to play his part in helping the club win promotion to the Premier League and impress his manager at Southampton Ronald Koeman.
"It’s going to be very competitive – there are a lot of players and competition but it seems like a good group so we’ll all work together and hopefully get the promotion we want," he said.
Jack Stephens in action for England U20s
"It’s up to me to show Southampton, but most importantly the manager and coaching staff here what I can do.
"I’m here for a season and this is my priority, so I want to show them what I can do and hopefully I can cement a place in the team."
He added: "[The coaching staff] have just told me to relax and play my football and just try not to get too uptight about things.
"The manager has been brilliant and said everyone will get their chance to show what they can do and I’ll just have to take my chance when I get it.
"It’s a very good positive place to be. I didn’t really know what to expect coming here but I was delighted when I came in on Friday and met the lads.
"They were very welcoming and I’m sure that will help on the pitch."
Stephens will also be hoping to impress Gareth Southgate with his performances at The Riverside as he looks to step up into the U21s fold at international level.
The Young Lions will start their new campaign at Preston North End in September, when they face the USA’s U23s side.
Tickets for the game at Deepdale are priced at just £10 for adults and £5 for children, with a family ticket (two adults and two children) costing £20 and group bookings of 15+ working out at £5 for adults and £1 for children.
Season ticket holders at Deepdale can also claim half price tickets and concessions for U18s, over 65s and students (on production of valid ID) are £5. Call 0844 856 1966 for details or e-mail: ticketoffice@pne.com
