SAINTS signing Ross Stewart explained his decision to switch Sunderland for St Mary’s and says his injury recovery is “going well”.

The former Sunderland hitman, who signed a three-year deal on deadline day, has been out injured since January with an Achilles concern.

Scottish international Stewart netted 40 goals in 80 matches for the Black Cats prior and adds competition to Che Adams for the Southampton striking role.

However, he is not expected to be fit for at least the next few matches despite the international break now coming into play.

Speaking to the club website about his recovery, Stewart said: “It’s going well. I‘m hoping to not be too far away.

“It’s certainly as close as I’ve been to being back as I’ve felt in a long time, six, seven months whatever it’s been. Hopefully, now the games are on the horizon and I just can’t wait to be back.”

Explaining his choice to swap the northeast for the south, Stewart added: “Southampton is a massive club.

“In recent years, it’s been a Premier League club and for me it’s a great challenge to come down here and play football for a team that’s going to be competing at the top of the league.”

“I know the aim is going to be to get back there, and personal ambitions I want to play in the Premier League so I thought it was a perfect fit.

“Obviously I’d spoken with Russell (Martin) before with him being manager at MK Dons. His teams play great football and are really tough to play against.

“Everything he was saying to me was really positive so that always makes the decision easier. Since him and Jason (Wilcox) got in touch it’s been the move that I wanted so I’m delighted to be here.”

Although Stewart has spent time in the treatment room, he adds Football League experience with 13 goals in 10 Championship matches.

Saints and manager Martin have been keen to add knowhow to their squad and signed last season’s Championship winner, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, to bolster the defence.

Stewart’s durability was displayed in the 2021-22 League One season, where he played all 49 games and scored 26 goals – including one in the playoff final.

“It will be very useful,” he said. “I think the amount of games I played in that season and being part of a winning environment. I’m sure, hopefully it’s the case here.

“It will be useful. This is a club we want to be challenging at the top of this league and get back to where it should be, which is the Premier League.

“Having done that in League One, hopefully, I can do that again here and will try and give everything I can to make that happen. Hopefully I can come in and be a good part of the group.”