Saints boss Russell Martin has urged patience in relation to recent acquisition Ross Stewart, making a possible full comeback after the October international break seem likely.
In 13 Championship games for Sunderland last year, the two-time Scottish international scored 10 goals, although he is currently recovering from an Achilles injury.
Stewart, who was brought in on deadline day, last participated in a competitive match in January, when he was substituted after only 20 minutes of an FA Cup match against Fulham.
The 27-year-old is back on the practice field and has become fully acclimated to his new colleagues, but he is still developing his fitness on a different field from the first-team group.
When asked if he had a recovery time estimate for Stewart, Martin responded, “We can’t expect too much from Ross.
He is on the grass and with Bill (Styles), the rehab sports scientist, and the rehab physiotherapist.
Instead of attempting to dip him in too quickly and then losing him, we will take as long as necessary to get him to a place where we know he can be there and stay there.
“I believe we need to use common sense. I’m quite eager to welcome him. He is a great man and enormous. You know I’ve attempted to sign him previously. He’ll be a genius for us.
“I believe he is having fun being around the boys. He has attended every meeting, but regrettably, he must train on a different pitch.You
guys will be informed when he reaches the point of readiness. I just don’t want to assign a deadline on it.He’s in a great spot right now.
Perhaps the upcoming stretch of five or six games will make it tough for him to reach his potential.
Then we take a break, which I believe will be ideal for him given the length of his recuperation.
“He cries out to be taken off the leash. He has been absent for some time, and he is eager to demonstrate to everyone his rightful place in this place.
Before the October break for international competition, Saints play Leicester City, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough, Leeds United, Stoke City, and Rotherham.
