SAINTS striker Ross Stewart will undergo a scan for a new muscle injury sustained in the 3-1 defeat at Arsenal, manager Russell Martin revealed. 

Stewart, 28, was making his first start for Saints having signed from Championship rivals Sunderland with an Achilles injury more than a year ago.

The £9million man made four appearances last season. The first two came in November before a fresh hamstring injury ruled him out until May.

However, returning Stewart was forced off after just 26 minutes at the Emirates Stadium and replaced by goalscorer Cameron Archer.

Martin told the Daily Echo: "He's got a muscle injury, so we'll scan that tomorrow. I am absolutely gutted for him, he's worked so hard to come back.

"We are honestly so disappointed for him. Everyone is. We just have to see how bad it is and then I know he'll attack it in the same way he does everything.

"It's hard for him to deal with but he has a huge resilience and character, so we'll have to go again and see how long he's going to be."

Martin added: "I don't think any of us will understand the level of frustration, hurt and pain he'll feel right now.

"I just don't think it's ever easy. A footballer's journey is never easy, whatever age you are. They have to have a certain level of resilience just to make it this far.

"His journey's not been easy either, in the lower leagues and up in Scotland. So, yeah, we will help him, we will support him. 

"Our job is to help these players, especially the young guys and the guys who have not been here long, on their journey. We'll continue to try and do that."