“Definitely in the wrong league” – Steve Clarke makes Sunderland admission involving Ross Stewart | OneFootball

Scotland boss Steve Clarke has plenty of praise for Ross Stewart’s game.

Stewart has performed well for Sunderland this season, with the Black Cats fighting for promotion to the Championship.

The forward has contributed this season with 22 goals in the League One campaign, which has earned him recognition on the international stage.

Stewart is expected to earn his debut for the national side, with Clarke’s comments only making it a matter of time before he gets to represent his country.

Clarke has been impressed by the manner in which Stewart has handled the pressure of moving to such a big club and recognised that the road to the Stadium of Light hasn’t been easy on the 25-year old.

“He’s come up the hard way, released as a kid from St Mirren and then playing in the Ayrshire juniors,” said Clarke, via Sunderland Echo.

“He had quite a quick rise when he did well at Ross County, scored a few goals and got his move to Sunderland.

“I like the way he moves on the pitch and I like the way he scores goals.

“People might say, ‘He’s only scoring at League One level’, but you have to realise he is playing for a big club with big demands

“Sunderland are definitely in the wrong league and there is always pressure at a club like that. But he’s produced the goods with the goals.”

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Scotland are set to face Poland in a friendly this week, with Stewart expected to play a role in the side in some capacity.

Scotland are still preparing for their World Cup play-off games, which were postponed to June as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Scotland’s opponents for the qualifiers.

A good showing for Stewart this international break could see him come into contention for a spot come the time for those key World Cup qualifying games.

The Verdict

Stewart has more League One goals than any other player this season.

That kind of scoring run deserves recognition and Clarke’s comments indicate he will receive as much.

Making an international debut is always a crowning moment in a player’s career so Stewart should savour this week.

This should also give him the morale boost that could help Sunderland achieve a play-off place in their bid for promotion.