Russell Martin Lays Out Play Off’s Strategy For Ross Stewart

Southampton fans at Leeds United welcomed Ross Stewart’s cameo off the bench,

and now that the Saints have advanced to the play-offs, Russell Martin has revealed what his plans are for the striker.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Southampton manager Russell Martin hailed Ross Stewart’s return from injury and

revealed what he has planned for the next week or so as the Saints face West Bromwich Albion over two legs.

Martin believes Stewart will be a crucial player in the playoffs and will provide Saints with another striking option.

“When we played Stoke last Saturday, he was with us for an hour and ten minutes that morning, practicing hard and getting worked.

“The whole session was built around him doing everything he needs to do in a game for as long as he possibly could.”

“He’s incredibly good and really open to new experiences. He’s really eager to go on the pitch,

and it’s now up to him to stay prepared and step up his game this week.

“But we need to do that to the point where we know he is as controlled as he can be and stays fit.”

Martin went on: “The lads congratulated him in the dressing room after the game at Leeds.

“He might be a key player for us over the next three games.

He has the potential to make a significant contribution and is eager to get on the pitch.

“He’s had a really rough time. I feel really sorry for him because he’s such a kind guy and a great athlete.

“But now he has a chance to really impact our season at the most important time and I think he will.”

Certainly, Stewart’s return from a double injury is a significant boost; when he arrived from Sunderland,

the Scotsman was suffering from an Achilles problem that had kept him out since January 2023,

but the injury that has kept him out since his couple of appearances for the team in

the Autumn was completely different and hamstring-related.

Those fans who have chastised the club for purchasing a crock have forgotten that

the hamstring injury was unexpected and a result of resuming to full-time training after such a long absence.

The danger is expecting too much from Stewart, and while I would expect him to be on the bench for both games against West Brom,

if there is no negative reaction to his appearance at Elland Road and the step up in training,

I believe he will be used sparingly unless absolutely necessary. If Saints beat the Baggies,

they will face a final at Wembley where he could play a much larger role;

if we get there, I would not bet against him scoring at some point.

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