Southampton are on an eight-game unbeaten run in the Championship and go into the November international break fourth in the table following Saturday’s win over West Brom
Southampton boss Russell Martin says striker Ross Stewart will continue to build his fitness in a practice match over the international break.
The 27-year-old striker made his Saints debut during last weekend’s 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion, coming off the bench in the second half and receiving a warm welcome from the St Mary’s crowd.
It was Stewart’s first competitive appearance since January following a devastating Achilles tendon injury he picked up while playing for former club Sunderland, with Martin his and coaching staff at Southampton carefully monitoring his recovery after his move to the south coast in September.
Asked after the Saints’ win over the Baggies what the plan for Stewart was now that the November international break is here, Martin said: “We have a practice match this week where he can get even more minutes in to prepare himself further.”
“I thought he did great when he came on. I would have liked him to keep it in the corner for a little bit longer rather than decide to turn back,” Martin added with a grin. “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 and keep building up those minutes to get him into the team – which isn’t going to be easy for him at the moment.
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