Ross Stewart believes he's put his injury woes behind him and is looking to kick-on with Sunderland after marking his return to action with a goal.

After three and a half months on the sidelines, Stewart came off the bench to strike for the Black Cats in the 1-1 draw with Hull City on Saturday and fired himself into the mix for a first start since August when Blackburn visit the Stadium of Light on Boxing Day.

It's been a "tough" period for the striker, who has faced numerous setbacks in his battle to beat a serious thigh injury, but after his long-awaited return to action, Stewart vowed: "That's me back now."

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"It's great to be back involved," the 26-year-old told Sunderland's club website.

"It's been a really long time since I've been in amongst a matchday so it's great to be back and great to help the lads with a goal.

"The only disappointment is not being able to hold on for the win but with 10 men and backs against the wall, a draw, you can't argue with that.

"It's been a tough period when you're out that long. You get a couple of setbacks and it's frustrating, but that's me back now."

After his introduction from the bench, it took Stewart just 14 minutes to mark his return with a goal, evidence, believes the striker, of his tireless work during the long rehab process.

He said: "That's the reason you put all the hard work in, to come back and have those moments. That was really nice.

"I know the work I've put in behind the scenes, that showed as I grabbed a gal.

"It's tough because you can't prepare for match sharpness other than playing games. It was good to get as long as I got and hopefully I can get more during the busy Christmas period.

"I'll continue to look after myself and try to continue to help the team. I can look forward now, be back involved more and help the team. It's never nice missing as much as I did but now I can look forward."

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After his cameo from the bench, Stewart is now pushing for a start as Tony Mowbray prepares for the visit of his former side Blackburn on Boxing Day.

Stewart said: "We have a week or so now. It's a tough game against Blackburn. We want to be better with our home form. We expect a big crowd, we'll prepare right, we'll rest well and look forward to it."