Southampton FC: Matt Le Tissier reacts to big Ross Stewart update | OneFootball

Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier has praised Ross Stewart after he was called up by Scotland for their World Cup squad.

After a difficult few years, Ross Stewart has enjoyed his most productive season for Southampton since his arrival from Sunderland.

The striker joined Saints in September 2023, but, much to the frustration of Stewart and the club, the majority of his time on the south coast had been restricted by injury.

However, this campaign has been different, with Stewart featuring in over 30 games in all competitions, with the Scotsman scoring nine in 27 Championship games, which included a crucial goal in the play-off semi-final win over Middlesbrough.

As well as the good goal return, Stewart has been very impressive with his all-round game, as his physicality has been key to the way Southampton have played under Tonda Eckert, along with Cyle Larin who has similar attributes.

Matt Le Tissier reacts as Ross Stewart is called up to Scotland’s World Cup squad

Whilst Stewart’s immediate focus will be on the huge play-off final against Hull City on Saturday, the 29-year-old has something else to look forward to, as Steve Clarke has called the player up for the World Cup squad.

Despite his performances, that came as something of a shock, because Stewart hadn’t been called up for four years.

Yet, he has booked his place on the plane as part of Scotland’s 26-man squad, with the Tartan Army facing Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in the tournament.

With Scotland on the biggest stage for the first time since 1998, it promises to be a great occasion for the country, and all connected to Southampton will be pleased for Stewart.

And, taking to social media, Saints legend Matt Le Tissier was among those to praise the ex-Inverness man.

“Really pleased for him after all he’s been through injury wise, and he’s been excellent for us recently.”

Ross Stewart will be hoping to make his mark on the biggest stage for club and country

This is thoroughly deserved for Stewart, as he has been superb for Southampton, and he has the quality to cause problems for Scotland at the World Cup.

As outlined above, it’s not just his goals, as Stewart’s physicality makes him the ideal focal point for the team, and with Scotland likely to be up against it when they face Morocco and Brazil, he could be the type of player that Clarke needs to relieve pressure.

Stewart also deserves huge credit for the mentality he has shown. The injuries that he has suffered over the years could’ve really broken him, but he has continued to do everything right to get back fit, and this is his reward for that.

Right now, he will want to help Southampton to reach the Premier League, which is another dream for Stewart, as whilst he has played at that level previously, he will feel he is in a better place now to really show what he can do.

So, if he can follow up promotion by representing his country at the World Cup, it will be a fantastic period for Stewart, and, as he enters his peak, he could become a major asset for Southampton and Scotland over the next few years if he can stay fit.