SAINTS boss Russell Martin confirmed that Ross Stewart's gradual return to action will continue in the Carabao Cup third round at Everton.

Martin, 38, said the Scottish striker will start as a substitute again after he made his first appearance of the season on Saturday.

Stewart played just over 30 minutes of the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United, in his lengthiest cameo since signing for the club last summer.

Stewart, a £10million signing, has spent two years in and out of teams with Achilles and hamstring injuries and played no part in the club's pre-season.

Asked about his involvement at Goodison Park, Martin responded: "I think he'll come off the bench. I don't think he'll start. We need to get him ready to start. 

"I could get a bit giddy with it as well and really want to push him on but I think we just need to be patient. So he'll come off the bench."

Stewart, 28, scored 10 goals in 13 Championship matches for former side Sunderland and was making his Premier League debut against the Red Devils.

Fellow forward Adam Armstrong, 27, netted 24 Championship goals - including three in the play-offs - last season to help win Saints promotion.

However, the club's assigned penalty taker went left as an unused substitute despite Saints chasing the game against Erik ten Hag's United.

Martin added: "Arma was annoyed he's not playing. Rightly so, after everything he's done for us but as a manager you have to make calls.

"It was the hardest bit of the last week I didn't enjoy it. Taking four players out of the team that I love and have been so good for us is the most difficult thing.

"I have a lot of love for them and to take them out is not easy. They have to put themselves back in and Tuesday gives them a brilliant opportunity."

Everton host Saints from 7:45pm on Tuesday, September 17. The Carabao Cup match will go straight to a penalty shootout if level at full-time.