Southampton: Rusk delighted with Stewart after momentous Fulham start

Stewart, who has suffered over two seasons of injury problems, has reacted well to the 65 minutes he played against Fulham last weekend.

The two-time Scotland international set a new personal record for minutes played in a single Saints match, lasting twice as long as he did in his only previous start.

Ross Stewart has had to endure "dark, lonely days" in injury hell since joining Saints.

💬 "Nobody's been working harder to try and be out there than me because it's what I want to do. I came here to play for this club in the Premier League."#SaintsFChttps://t.co/bC0eVKrpfz

— George Rees-Julian (@rees_julian) April 26, 2025

READ MORE: 'We'll be fine' - Stewart confident Saints can bounce straight back to Premier League

With Paul Onuachu back in training this week, Rusk hinted Stewart will drop back to the bench against Leicester on Saturday. 

"I thought he did great, in terms of starting the game, for how long he has been out. And, you know, it was an intense game," Rusk said, previewing this weekend's game. 

"That was a really important game for Fulham as it was us. I thought he gave a really good account of himself.

"For him to get through it and be training again this week, trying to get back in the starting team again for this Saturday, what a great thing for him. It's a real positive from the day. We are all delighted for him."