CATS CAPTURE NEW STRIKER
Lee Johnson says Ross Stewart has ‘all the attributes to succeed’ after becoming Sunderland’s fourth and likely final addition of the January transfer window.
Stewart has signed an initial two-and-a-half year deal on Wearside, with the club holding the option of another year.
The 24-year-old had six months left on his deal at Ross County, with the Black
Cats paying an undisclosed fee.
Johnson says it is an addition for both the short and the long term.
“I think Ross is a player that will be great for us in the short term, but he can also develop and improve over the long term,” he said.
"He’s at a good age, he’s very fit and quick, and he obviously has good height as well, so he has all attributes to succeed.
"We are very pleased to welcome him to the club.”
Stewart follows Carl Winchester, Jake Vokins and Jordan Jones to Sunderland over the last few days.
He has told supporters that he will give ‘one hundred percent’ in every game.
“I’m very excited and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season,” he said.
"When the opportunity came to come to Sunderland, I just wanted to get it done as soon as I could.
"I will give one hundred percent in every game.
"I’m a very committed and hard-working player, and as a striker, hopefully I can bring a lot of goals to the club as well.”
Johnson said after the 2-2 draw with Gillingham on Saturday that the arrival of a striker would in all likelihood conclude his incoming business.
The deal is likely to clear the way for Will Grigg to move out on loan for the rest of the season.
"In terms of incomings, we would be done I think with three if we got them,” said Johnson.
"Outgoings, we'll have to wait and see but we want to trim the squad, just to make sure that it is competitive but not too competitive, so players don't feel there's no chance of getting gametime.
"I’d be more than happy to have Will here but it does then become a case of how many strikers we have.
"Will wants to play every game, he wants to be closer to his family who are in Stafford, and we are probably going to have to accommodate that on this occasion if we get that extra man in."