x

It's Plain Sailing For Ross Stewart As He Scores On U21 Debut

Southampton signing Ross Stewart has finally made his debut for the club, two months after signing from Sunderland and it was his old club whom he faced at Staplewood in his first outing of any kind in a Saints shirt.

The number 7 has often proved pivotal for great Saints goalscorer's, it was the number Matt Le Tissier wore for most of his career and the mantle was carried on when Rickie Lambert took the number in 2009 upon joining the club from Bristol Rovers.

This season it is Joe Aribo with the number, however it is perhaps a good omen for the start of Ross Stewart's career that he has scored on his debut at any level for Saints, notching his first goal in the 7th minute of the U21 game against his old club at Staplewood.

Stewart has the squad number of 14 when he finally makes his first team debut and that will hopefully signify his contributions will add up to the sum total of both of his two illustrious number 7 predecessors.

His appearance today signifies that he is unlikely to play any part in tomorrow's game at Millwall, despite the fact that he came off at half time after getting 45 minutes under his belt, but if he has had no adverse reactions to his first game, then it is likely he will be on the bench at home to West Bromwich Albion next weekend.

Sadly though it would not be a good day for the Southampton U21 team, despite leading 1-0 at the break, they conceded a goal in the 66th minute to let the visitors back into the game and then with 8 minutes left on the clock Bragg turned a Sunderland corner into his own net to give the visitors the lead, which they comfortably held on to even though there were 7 minutes of injury time added.

What to read next:

Three Scolars Offered New Deals
The club have now released their retained list for the Academy Scholars with three players offered new deals.
Brad Kelly Signs New Contract
Dale goalkeeper Brad Kelly has signed a new one-year deal to stay at Spotland.
Hendo Signs For Another Year
Dale striker Ian Henderson has signed a new one year contract to stay at Spotland, [insert goat emoji here]
Dale Sign Tanzanian International
Rochdale have added another winger to their ranks in the form of a Tanzanian International.
Into The Unknown by Chris Fitzgerald
Our very own messageboard regular Chris Fitzgerald has penned another book called Into The Unknown and it's out 1st July
Armstrong Signs Permanent
Dale have signed Finlay Armstrong on a free transfer following a loan spell last season.
Ebanks-Landell Signs New Deal
Dale skipper Ethan Ebanks-Landell has signed a new contract to stay at Spotland.
Tobi Adebayo-Rowling Signs
It's fair to say the summer recruitment is well underway now as Dale make their second signing in two days.
Connor McBride Joins Rochdale
After a few weeks of nothingness at Dale, we've made our first summer signing in the former of a winger.
Meet The Board Tonight
A Meet The Board event will take place on Monday 3rd June 6.30pm in the Ratcliffe Bars.