Russell Martin has described as ‘amazing’ the prospect that forgotten striker Ross Stewart could yet be the man to fire Southampton back to the Premier League.
The Scotland international has not started a match for 16 months because of an Achilles injury. And he has only come off the bench four times for the Saints since his £9million switch from Sunderland last summer.
But the 27-year-old has been passed fit to boost Martin’s attacking options at Wembley and the Southampton boss has not ruled out the striker becoming the match winner.
‘He might still have a moment that could be the most important one for us this season,’ said Martin. ‘I think he’s really aware of that. If he does, if it is to be him, then it’ll be amazing.’
Stewart had been lined up to appear against West Brom in the second leg of last week’s semi-final, but suffered another injury setback.
Ross Stewart could be in the frame to play a hero’s role for Southampton in the play-off final
The forward hasn’t started a game in 16 months due to an Achilles injury, making just four substitute appearances since his £9million move to Southampton last summer
Saints manager Russell Martin, meanwhile, has been told he will be manager next season no matter Sunday’s result
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‘He’s desperate to help us and he got into a really good place and then got a knock before in training, which was a worry for all of us,’ said Martin.
‘Our anxiety and everyone else’s goes through the roof because of what Ross has been through.’
Stewart, who had scored 36 goals in three seasons at Sunderland before moving to St Mary’s, will be joined in the Saints squad by fellow Scottish striker Che Adams, who has recovered from the injury which saw him miss both legs against West Brom.
Martin, meanwhile, has been assured by chairman Henrik Kraft that he will still be Saints’ boss even if they lose at Wembley. ‘I’ll be excited about doing that and doing it in a different way,’ he said. ‘But hopefully it doesn’t come to that and we can win.’