Southampton boss makes Ross Stewart admission and explains ex-Sunderland striker’s situation
Southampton boss Russell Martin admits there was concern when Ross Stewart suffered a minor knock between the club’s play-off semi-finals against West Brom.
The 27-year-old forward has made just four senior appearances since joining the Saints from Sunderland last summer, costing a reported £8million – plus add-ons. He is, though, expected to be available when Martin’s side face Leeds United in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Sunday.
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It comes after Stewart came off the bench against West Brom in the first leg of the play-off semi-finals but missed the second leg following another setback.
Asked if Stewart’s knock raised concerns, Martin replied: “I think so. He’s desperate to help us and he got into a really good place and then got a knock before in training which was a worry for all of us.
“Our anxiety and everyone else’s goes through the roof because of what Ross has been through and then thankfully it worked out. It’s not a really big one. He trained this week and was a bit more relaxed. He was just so angry last week.”
The Saints boss added: “I think he was going to get on the pitch. He felt that after the West Brom game.
The former Sunderland man has enjoyed a glittering career at the top of the game
Former Sunderland, West Brom and Leicester City Jonny Evans has claimed his second FA Cup winners medal.
The Northern Ireland international – who has regularly partnered Sunderland defender Dan Ballard for the national side – started on the bench for Manchester United against Manchester City at Wembley this afternoon. Jonny Evans, 36, is also the brother of recently released Sunderland captain Corry Evans.
