Stewart identifies his preferred role and position at Sunderland

Ross Stewart says that he hopes to earn his place as a central striker in Lee Johnson's Sunderland system.

Stewart has signed a twoand-a-half year deal on Wearside, with the club holding the option of a further year.

The 24-year-old has spent much of the last year playing in a wide position for Ross County, but told safc.com that he sees his future infield.

"For me, I've always preferred being a number nine," he said.

"That's where I've always seen myself in the long term.

"The last season and a bit I've found myself doing a job out wide and as much as that has been enjoyable, I certainly think that in the long run I want to be a number nine.

"That's where I think I can help the team the best.

"I think they [the fans] can expected to see someone who gives 100% every game, I've a very committed player and a very hardworking player, and hopefully being a striker I can bring a lot of goals."

Talks with Johnson over his plans for the future were key in convincing Stewart to move south of the border in the current window.

Johnson has hailed Stewart as 'very fit and quick' in his welcoming remarks, having spoken earlier in the window of his desire to add a forward player capable of stretching opposition defences.

"I spoke with Lee a number of times and everything he says is how I see it as well," Stewart said.

"He was very persuasive, he talks very well about how he wants his team to play and I certainly think I can fit into that.

"Hopefully it'll bring success to the club."

Stewart was eligible to face MK Dons on Tuesday night, but is not yet clear whether he is fit enough to take a place in the matchday squad.

Stewart's last game for Ross County came on December 23, though manager John Hughes said ten days ago that he was fit enough to return from a hamstring injury.

*Liverpool turned to the Championship and the Bundesliga

to bolster their injury-hit defence as Ben Davies made a surprise move from Preston in a deal worth £2m, while Turkey's Ozan Kabak arrived on loan from Schalke after Joel Matip was ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle ligament injury.

Meanwhile, Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino has joined Southampton on loan until the end of the season.