Ross Stewart: Why Rangers are keen on Sunderland striker - ex-Celtic youth, 22 goals, contract situation

On Wednesday, reports emerged of Rangers having an interest in former Albion Rovers and Ross County striker Ross Stewart.

The 25-year-old has been in excellent form for Sunderland, hitting 22 goals in 41 league games for the club.

It is form which has caught the attention of clubs down south as well, with Norwich City and Swansea two to be credited with an interest.

Simple. Goals. He has had good spells before in front of goal, both at Alloa Athletic and Ross County. But nothing has come close to what he has produced at Sunderland.

Joining in January 2021 allowed him to settle into life in England for that first half season. He has exploded this campaign, playing mainly as a central striker, it has allowed him to play on the last man, working between the width of the box, while having a hand in the build-up play.

It is notable a lot of his goals have been first-time finishes, moving away from defenders, whether he has netted with a foot or head.

Looking at him, he is a very rangy striker, who just looks all limbs but he is a very awkward customer. He can play with his back to goal, hold the ball up, he’s got a good leap and when he stretches his long legs he is very quick and eats up ground, ideal for passes in behind.

That said, he can play wide and deeper as he did for Ross County. Working the flank diligently, he has an excellent work ethic and can be that goal threat, especially from diagonals, when playing a wide left role.

Perhaps the most impressive thing about Ross Stewart is the 25-year-old's career.

He counts Celtic and St Mirren amongst clubs in his youth career but he had to drop down to play for Ardeer Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers. From there he worked his way up the SPFL, first with Albion Rovers before