Ross Stewart hails Jermain Defoe's Sunderland influence after Scotland call up

Ross Stewart has hailed the impact Jermain Defoe has had on the Sunderland dressing room since returning to the Stadium of Light in January. Stewart was rewarded for his fine form this season with his first call-up to the Scotland squad after netting 22 goals so far this campaign.

The 25-year-old admits he's learned a lot from the former England international in his short time at the club, despite being in the twilight period of his career . Stewart reveals the pair have been 'close' since Defoe's return to Wearside and the former Tottenham striker has taken him under his wing.

Defoe is yet to score for Sunderland since his return to Wearside, but part of that has been down to the form of Stewart. The Sunderland striker has not been capped by his country at any level, but is in line to make an appearance over the course of the international break.

Speaking to the Daily Record, Stewart said: “JD and I have got on really well since he has come in. We have been quite close.

“It is good to pick his brain on different things and just to watch him train every day is great because you learn so much from him. He has done it throughout his career and so when he did come in I knew it was such a good opportunity for me to learn from him and to add to my own game, knowing he has been there and done it at the highest level.

"He has helped me so much. He is always telling me to be selfish, follow things in and get in positions where you can score. All the boys in the dressing room look up to him. He is also still in great shape.”

Stewart's ascendency to the international scene has been nothing short of remarkable and his parents, Cameron and Sandra, have been with him every step of the way. The Sunderland striker said: "I think