Stewart’s return isn’t too far away, which is a major boost for the south-coast side.
The Saints are currently doing well following a mixed start to the season – and this is a further boost for them as they look to retain their place in the promotion mix and potentially push for the top two.
They are still 10 points behind Ipswich Town who are in second place, with the Tractor Boys also having a game in hand over them.
But the Saints can be happy with how things have gone in recent times, going unbeaten in the past six league games and winning 14 points from a possible 18 during that positive run.
Before that run, they had lost four consecutive league games, scoring twice during that losing run and not being helped by the absence of Stewart who has been out of action since the early stages of this year.
Suffering a major Achilles injury against Fulham in the FA Cup back in January, it has taken the Scotsman a considerable amount of time to recover, with the forward making the summer move to St Mary’s despite this injury setback.
Martin will be keen not to rush Stewart considering how long he’s been out for – and it would be a surprise if he doesn’t end up coming off the bench before starting.
But the ex-Swansea City boss has revealed that the forward is very close to making his return.
He said: “He’s really close. If it’s not next week, hopefully, it will be the West Brom game.
Considering where the Saints are in the league table, some will argue that his return will be a bonus rather than crucial, but he could give the club the extra firepower needed to challenge for the top two.
