Sunderland boss sympathising with Southampton's injured Stewart

Stewart arrived at Southampton from Sunderland during the summer transfer window but spent his first few months on the south coast out injured.

The 27 year old made his return to football against Sunderland's under-21s in the Premier League 2 before Championship cameos against West Brom and Huddersfield.

Stewart suffered a muscle injury in that away trip to Huddersfield which looks likely to keep him out until the end of the season.

An update from Russell Martin earlier this month confirmed that the Scot has stepped up his rehab but remains unlikely to return this campaign unless Southampton's season is extended.

He told the Daily Echo: "I don’t think there is any expectation on Ross to play at any point. He is jogging again now but we just have to be patient and take our time with him." 

Ross Stewart is unlikely to return for Saints this season (Image: Stuart Martin)

Dodds, who has been at Sunderland since 2021 expressed his sympathy for Stewart, who he worked with before the Scottish international departed the Stadium of Light.

"I have a lot of love and respect for Ross Stewart," Dodds said about the striker's recent injury issues. "Not only was he a good footballer for this club but he is a great lad.

"He turned up every day with a smile on his face. He worked really, really hard.  I'll be honest, I am absolutely gutted and devastated for him.

"I know how much he will be hurting right now. He wants to play football and I know he has had a year or so of being out and not being in a great place.

"So I do really wish him all the best and I hope he is back on the grass playing as soon as possible. I have nothing but good things to say about Ross."