News about Ross Stewart

The Scotland international has not started a match for 16 months because of an Achilles injury. And he has only come off the bench four times for the Saints since his £9million switch from Sunderland last summer. But the 27-year-old has been passed fit to boost Martin's attacking options at Wembley and the Southampton boss has not ruled out the striker becoming the match winner. 'He might still have a moment that could be the most important one for us this season,' said Martin. 'I think he's really aware of that. If he does, if it is to be him, then it'll be amazing.'

TOM COLLOMOSSE AT THE HAWTHORNS: Russell Martin heads into Friday's play-off decider against West Bromwich Albion knowing that defeat could hasten the end of his time as Southampton manager. Saints will believe they can finish the job in front of their own fans and seal their place in the final at Wembley - where the winner will claim not just promotion to the Premier League but an estimated £200million windfall for a campaign in the top flight. Yet if West Brom prevail in the second leg at St Mary's, Martin will have failed in his most important task - to return Southampton instantly to the elite level. Clubs who benefit from parachute payments - designed to ease the pain of relegation - are under greater pressure to deliver and if their managers do not handle it, their position becomes immediately more shaky.