Stewart, speaking exclusively to Record Sport, is eyeing a place on the plane to North America
09:34, 22 Apr 2026
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In-form Southampton star Ross Stewart is looking to catch the eye of Steve Clarke ahead of the World Cup finals.
The big striker scored again on Tuesday evening, as he earned the promotion-pushing Saints a point away at Bristol City.
Stewart, in conversation with Record Sport, admitted he is desperate for a Scotland recall, ahead of this summer’s finals in America, Mexico and Canada.
The 29-year-old, who won his previous two caps back in 2022, claimed: “Going back to when I was called up the first time, it is the highest achievement you can have in football going to represent your country.
“When I did that a few years ago, it is something I have missed the feeling of and I am really desperate to try and get back.
“I have always and will always make myself available for Scotland.
“Hopefully, my form over the last couple of months will have seen Steve (Clarke) keep an eye on me.
“I just need to keep producing over the coming weeks and then we will see what happens.
“The World Cup - every striker that has been in and about Scotland at international level would be lying if they didn’t say they wanted to go.
“Everybody will want to go and I am no different.”
Stewart is now back and fully-firing after a cruel run of injuries that had curtailed his time at St Mary’s. He has become a central figure for Southampton and his goals helped them defeat Fulham and Arsenal in their dream FA Cup run. The Saints take on Manchester City in this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final.
Stewart just wants to do as well as he can because he knows if he does that, everything else will take care of itself.
He admitted: “I have not been in there (the Scotland squad) but hopefully that is through my injury problems.
“If I can stay fit and produce the levels I have between now and the end of the season then I can make Steve make a decision.
“I just have to focus on the games for Southampton and then see what happens.
“If I did get the call-up I would love to go. It is something that has been in my head and is something I’ve been aiming for. We’ll see what happens.”
Scotland head to their first World Cup since 1998.
Stewart is confident that whoever Clarke picks that they will put the country back on the world map.
“Watching the guys qualify for it had been incredible and to get Scotland back to a World Cup,” the former Ross County forward insisted. It was an incredible achievement and thoroughly deserved.
“It gives the country for all to look forward to this summer. Hopefully, whoever goes can do the country proud.
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“There is an expectation that hopefully we can go and make a real impact on this one.
“We are not going just to say we have been back there. I’m sure Steven and whoever goes will look to make a real impact.
“Whether I go or not, I will always be a fan. We need to try and get to the finals in the future as well and make sure this is not just a one-off."