RUSSELL Martin believes Ross Stewart's deadline day move from Sunderland to Southampton "suits everyone" and is confident Saints will see the very best of the striker when he returns from injury.

Stewart completed his move from Sunderland to Southampton late on deadline day but he then watched his former side hammer his new employers in Saturday's early kick-off.

Stewart remains out of action after suffering his serious achilles injury in January but, having forked out an initial fee of £8m for the striker, Martin has no concerns about the injury moving forward.

"That's down to the medical and sport science department to have a look at," said Martin.

"We spoke to the surgeon and all that stuff. I think everyone is really confident we can get him to a place we want to get to and he can really contribute.

"And also, we have three really capable No.9s, Sekou (Mara) played right wing today but he can play No.9, Adam Armstrong, Che Adams, so we have some real competition so we don't need to rush with Ross and make sure when he does come back he can stay fit and get on the pitch for us."

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Stewart left Sunderland having scored 36 goals in 70 outings, including 10 in 13 last season. Martin has long admired the 27-year-old and tried to take the striker to his former club MK Dons when Stewart was leaving Ross County, but he instead chose Sunderland. He's thrilled to finally get his man.

Martin said: "I spoke to Ross late last night. He's really pleased. He loved it up here. Obviously he's been injured for a while.

"I think it suits everyone probably, so I'm really delighted.

"He's a great lad, a really brilliant character. He'll help us a lot. We just need to get him fully fit now and get him ready as quickly as possible, he'll be a really good addition."