Southampton manager Russell Martin has outlined a plan for striker Ross Stewart following his debut on Saturday.
Stewart came off the bench in Saturday’s 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion, making an appearance in the 83rd minute in place of Adam Armstrong.
It was his first chance to play in front of the full crowd at Saints since joining from Sunderland, after recovering from an injury to his Achilles tendon he suffered in January.
Martin on his plan for striker
Speaking to the Daily Echo following the win, Martin explained the plan he has got in place for Stewart to reach full fitness.
“We have a practice match this week where he can get even more minutes in to prepare himself further.
“The lads applauded him in the dressing room after the game. The reaction from the crowd was great.
“It’s been a long road for him to get to this point and I’m really proud of him. He is such a brilliant lad.
“Now it’s our job to get him as fit and ready as possible, keep building up those minutes to get him into the team – which isn’t going to be easy for him at the moment.
“He knows the challenge at hand and he is more than ready for it. I look forward to seeing him getting fitter and stronger.”
Stewart gives Martin another option
It was his debut for the first team at St Mary’s, after playing for the U21 side last week against his former club Sunderland, a game in which he scored, too.
He started that match, scoring in the seventh minute, before being substituted off at half-time. Martin was at the game.
It will be big news for the Scotland international to be back, as he is another different option Martin can add to his backline.
Stewart can use his height and physicality to win knockdowns and spearhead attacking moves if Saints’ need to go long due to their possession-based style of play.