When healthy and available, Southampton striker Ross Stewart could “transform” the St. Mary’s outfit’s attack, according to journalist Dean Jones, who names a Saints star who could benefit from the summer signing’s return to play in an interview with GIVEMESPORT.
Russell Martin has had a rocky start to his stint on the south coast, but he hopes to propel the team back into the Premier League. The former Swansea City manager has come under pressure in recent months, but he intends to see his side turn the trend and secure at least a spot in the Championship play-offs by the end of the season.
Stewart is yet to make an appearance for Southampton
Southampton experienced a flurry of activity on Deadline Day, with both prospective outgoings and incomings. On the final day of the transfer window, the Saints appeared likely to lose striker Che Adams on a season-long loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers. With only seven hours left in the transfer window, The Athletic announced that Southampton had blocked Adams’ move to Molineux.
The loan featured a £15 million option and potential obligation for Wolves to sign the centre-forward on a permanent basis. The 27-year-old, however, was regarded vital to Southampton’s promotion hopes and remained at St. Mary’s.
Meanwhile, Southampton bolstered their striker ranks with the £10 million signing of Sunderland center-forward Stewart. The Scottish attacker voiced his joy in joining St. Mary’s upon his arrival (via HampshireLive):
“Southampton is a massive club. In recent years, it’s been a Premier League club, and for me, it’s a great challenge to come down here and play football for a team that’s going to be competing at the top of the league.”
However, things have not gone as planned for Stewart. Despite moving to the south coast more than a month ago, the 27-year-old is yet to make an appearance for the Saints. He suffered a serious Achilles injury in an FA Cup match against Fulham in January and has not played for Sunderland or Southampton since.
Jones recently told GIVEMESPORT that when Stewart is match-fit, Adams will be below him in the pecking order. However, Saints fans are hoping that Stewart will be able to return to action shortly, ahead of a possible Southampton debut later this month.
Dean Jones update – Ross Stewart
Jones feels that when Stewart returns to fitness, he will have Southampton “heading in the right direction” as they look for an immediate return to the Premier League. According to the journalist, his presence will force players like Adams to elevate their game in order to stay on the field. He told GIVEMESPORT:
“They are waiting to see whether Stewart can become available for the next game, but as soon as he becomes available, I think you’re looking at a player that can start to have them heading in the right direction. Southampton need competition for places everywhere, but in Stewart, you’ve got somebody keeping your main stars on their toes, and he’s got the potential to deliver goals that matter. I do think he can transform that Saints attack. Even if he’s just coming off the bench, just the sense that he’s forcing players like Adams to just step up that game and make sure they’re getting enough game time.”
Stewart’s potential date of return from injury
Southampton reporter Mark Wyatt recently told ChronicleLive that Saints fans want to see Stewart back in action against Hull City on Saturday. According to the reporter, the south coast club does not want to rush his return and that his debut will most likely be as a substitute at the MKM Stadium.
With Martin often changing the lineup this season, Stewart will have chances to break into the starting XI once he’s deemed match-fit. The two-cap Scotland international scored 10 goals in 13 Championship matches before injury ended his season last season, indicating that he’s a proven second-tier goalscorer. That might be invaluable at St. Mary’s, where a lack of cutting-edge has been their biggest weakness in the early stages of the season.
Southampton’s chances of Premier League promotion
Southampton are now tenth in the Championship league, one point off a place in the play-offs and 11 points off an automatic promotion slot. A win at Hull (who are tied on points and one position above them in the table) might serve as a springboard for a real promotion drive, with tough games against Preston North End and Birmingham City to come.
