INTERIM boss Simon Rusk has no doubt Ross Stewart can be "effective" in the Championship next season after he opened his Saints account.

Rusk revealed his delight after the 28 year old scored his long-awaited first Saints goal on the final day of the Premier League season.

Stewart headed home for the first time at St Mary's to level things against Arsenal, ending his two-season wait for a goal in Southampton colours.

His second-half strike was not enough to secure a final-day point, however, as substitute Martin Ødegaard drove an 89th-minute winner for the London club.

Stewart scored 10 goals in 13 Championship appearances for Sunderland before his goalscoring form was put on hold by injuries.

READ: Stewart nets first Saints goal as Arsenal snatch late win at St Mary's

Stewart's goal was met by jubilant celebrations from his teammates and the supporters in the stands, and the forward admitted it's been a long time coming.

"I've not spoken to him yet, if I'm honest. I addressed the whole group. But when I have a moment with him, I will be sharing how delighted I was for him," Rusk said.

"It's nice for him to score a goal and have a moment with the supporters, which I'm sure will mean a lot to him based on the couple of seasons that he's suffered.

"I think for him now, hopefully that's a platform that can build his confidence with his physicality and find a nice rhythm to his work. 

"I think there's no doubt about it, if he can get that, then he'll be effective at that level," Rusk concluded.