He began his career with Ardeer Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers before joining Albion Rovers in 2016. After one season, Stewart moved to St Mirren and went on loan to Alloa Athletic. In 2018, he joined Ross County, spending three seasons with the club before joining Sunderland in 2021 and helping them win promotion to the Championship. Stewart then signed for Southampton in 2023.
Club career
Junior League
After spells with the youth systems of professional clubs,[2] Stewart started his career in the Scottish Juniors with Ardeer Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers, before making the step-up to senior football with Albion Rovers in July 2016.[3] The part-time Coatbridge club were unable to pay the £1,500 transfer fee, with the funds instead provided by their supporters' club members and by Stewart's father.[4]
On 31 January 2021, Stewart joined English side Sunderland for an undisclosed fee.[9] Stewart scored on his Sunderland debut after coming on as a substitute against Accrington Stanley in a 2–0 away win on 17 March 2021.[10] He was later given the nickname 'Loch Ness Drogba' by Sunderland supporters in reference to his Scottish heritage and comparisons with prolific former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.[11]
During a 1–1 draw with Fulham on 28 January 2023 in the FA Cup fourth round, he was forced off in the first half after suffering an achilles injury.[13] A week later, it was confirmed that Stewart would miss the remainder of the 2022–23 season.[14]
Southampton
On 1 September 2023, Stewart joined Southampton on a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[15] He made his debut for the club on 11 November 2023 in a 2–1 victory against West Bromwich Albion, replacing Adam Armstrong in the 83rd minute.[16] During Southampton's 1–1 draw with Huddersfield Town on 25 November 2023, Stewart picked up an injury, with manager Russell Martin later confirming he was expected to be sidelined until late January.[17][18] On 22 December 2023, it was confirmed that the injury to his hamstring would rule Stewart out for the rest of the season.[19] Stewart returned from injury in a 1–2 victory against Leeds United on the final day of the 2023–24 season, replacing Adam Armstrong in the 83rd minute.[20]
On 14 September 2024, Stewart made his first Premier League appearance in a 3–0 home defeat against Manchester United after he replaced Cameron Archer in the 62nd minute.[21] During his first start for the club since his permanent transfer, on 5 October 2024, Stewart suffered a muscle injury in a 3–1 defeat against Arsenal.[22]
International career
Stewart received his first call-up to the senior Scotland squad in March 2022 whilst playing for Sunderland.[23] He made his international debut on 8 June 2022, appearing as a substitute in a Nations League game against Armenia.[24]
