SAINTS boss Russell Martin insisted Ross Stewart is still smiling every day despite being ruled out until the end of the season.

The Scottish striker has only featured twice for Southampton since his deadline-day move from Sunderland in the summer.

Stewart suffered a hamstring injury at Huddersfield Town in November - which could be his last appearance for the St Mary's side this season.

Martin says the 27 year old, who had only just returned from an Achilles injury, is attacking his rehab with everything he has got.

The Saints boss said: “He is frustrated, sad, angry. We all felt that disappointment with him at the start.

"The toughest place to be as a football player is injured. You just want to play football.

“For him to have the setback that he has, when he has signed and is trying to prove himself, is not easy.

Daily Echo: Ross Stewart made his Saints debut against West Brom on Saturday

"He comes in every day and he is in every meeting. He will be off his crutches very soon, but he comes in and smiles.

"He gives good energy to people and I think he knows that there are a lot of people who care about him."

"We want to make sure he is okay. It’s about talking to him and having conversations that aren't about football."

Martin continued: “He attacks it with everything that he has got. The physio has had to hold him back a little bit and tell him to be patient.

“We would rather it that way, instead of someone who takes it easy, for sure. I have no doubt he will come back stronger for this.

“Physically he will be in a good place by the end of it, but we need to make sure he is in a good place with himself.

“This group of players and staff will help him find the joy in what he is doing.”