Sunday Sun

Stewart has potential – even as he’s finding feet

- James Hunter

LEE Johnson says Ross Stewart’s potential is obvious – even though the January signing is still “finding his feet” at Sunderland.

Striker Stewart joined the Black Cats from Scottish Premiershi­p side Ross County and took some time to shake off a persistent hamstring problem, but he came off the bench to score on his debut at Accrington Stanley last month.

And after three more substitute appearance­s he made his first start alongside Charlie Wyke in the Easter Monday draw at Peterborou­gh.

Johnson says the 24-year-old still has much to learn but he believes Stewart has the attributes to be a hit on Wearside.

“There were occasions when it went really well,” said Johnson of Stewart’s start at Peterborou­gh.

“There was Charlie’s volley in the first half, which came from a great little knock-down from Ross.

“I think potential.

“He’s not the finished article yet, but he is a very good player.

“There’s loads that I see in his game that I want to improve.

“Just, for example, when we win the ball back in that mid-block, he has to quickly open his shoulders so that we can play him in on goal, but at the moment his shoulders are quite closed off in which case he then acts as another hold-up player which is something we don’t need in that moment on transition­s.

“But he’s a bright kid and he is young enough to learn.”

Stewart came through the Scottish Juniors system before joining Scottish League One side Albion Rovers, and then making the step up to the Scottish Championsh­ip with St Mirren where he won promotion to the top flight.

He then dropped back down to the Championsh­ip with Ross County, before winning promotion again to the Premiershi­p.

Johnson said: “You have to remember his background, with all due respect, is not a top pedigree in terms of having come through academies and what have you – he has come a different route and fought his way to get to a club like this.

“I’ve been really happy with him. He is lean, he is mobile, he is quick, he can get across people, he is good in the air, and he can finish.

“I think he is still finding his feet in terms of the demands I am putting on him as a centre-forward.”

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