Kevin Phillips full of praise for hard-working Ross Stewart after play-off opener

Ross Stewart showed his never say die attitude as he raced through on goal to hand Sunderland a vital advantage against Sheffield Wednesday. He struck the first blow in the play-off semi-final between the two teams, slamming a rebound into the back of the net after Bailey Peacock-Farrell kept out his initial effort.

The goal epitomised everything Black Cats supporters love about the Scotsman as he chased a lost cause and robbed the ball off Sam Hutchinson 40 yards from goal. The Wednesday defender couldn’t get near him as he raced into the penalty area and made no mistake at the second time of asking.

Sunderland legend Kevin Phillips, at the Stadium of Light as part of the Sky Sports panel, was impressed by the endeavour shown by the 25-year-old.

Sunderland's strength of character crucial in play-off test against Sheffield Wednesday

“You’ve got a player up front that works his socks off, can finish all types and never gives up, it’s a great lesson for any young striker,” he said. “[Sam] Hutchinson should just clear his lines and deal with the danger but he doesn’t give it up Ross Stewart, he’s been doing it all season.

“Yeah, he gets a little bit of luck but I think you deserve that when you put in the work rate that he does, especially in the first half.”

It could turn out to be a huge goal in Sunderland’s quest to banish their play-off demons but there is still a long way to go before supporters can worry about booking trains to Wembley. With the threat that Wednesday pose, Alex Neil’s side will need to add to Stewart’s goal to ensure they are the team that face either Wycombe or MK Dons in just over a fortnight’s time at the home of English football.

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