Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has backed Ross Stewart to be a "big player" for Will Still. (Image: PA)
Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman has backed Ross Stewart to be a "big player" for Will Still. (Image: PA)
SKY Sports pundit and EFL expert Don Goodman has backed forward Ross Stewart to be a "big player" for Saints under Will Still.
New Southampton manager Still watched from the stands as Stewart ended his two-year wait for a goal on the final day of the season against Arsenal on Sunday.
The 28 year old Scottish striker has struggled with injury since joining Saints from Sunderland two years ago, but has recently enjoyed his longest run of games.
Stewart has featured in the last eight matches and managed 70 minutes, his longest appearances, in last weekend's 2-1 defeat to the Gunners.
Goodman, a former striker himself, believes Stewart can plunder goals under Belgian-born English coach Still, so long as he stays injury-free.
Ross Stewart scored on the final day of the Premier League season.
Ross Stewart scored on the final day of the Premier League season. (Image: Stuart Martin)
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"You would imagine if Southampton can get the Ross Stewart of a couple of seasons ago, the one that left Sunderland, then they'd be in business," he told FLW.
"He could be a big player at Championship level. I think in his last (full) season, before he left Sunderland, he got 11 goals in 15 games.
"It was a remarkable effort and was off the back of a decent season before (in League One).
"But injuries have played a massive, massive part. He only managed to start four Premier League games and scored the one goal, which was in the final game against Arsenal.
Ross Stewart is raring to go next season in the Championship.
Ross Stewart is raring to go next season in the Championship.
(Image: Adam Davy/PA) READ: Saints to face Premier League opposition in Still's first St Mary's game
"It very much depends on whether Southampton are able to get Ross Stewart to play a full season of football. If they can, he could be a real asset," the Sky Sports pundit concluded.
Stewart joined Saints from Sunderland in a deal initially worth £8million, and had just scored 10 goals in 13 Championship appearances, before injury struck.
Speaking to the Daily Echo after his first Saints goal, the two-time Scotland international said: "On a personal note, I'm delighted to get my first Premier League goal.
"Now I just need to build on it for next season. I think the last eight, nine weeks have been really good for me in terms of trying to get back from my injury troubles.
"Today (Sunday) was probably the icing on the cake. For me, this is a nice personal note to end this season.
"I obviously realise it's been a tough season for the club, but next season will look different for us. I can use this to go and build on with the team next season."