Sunderland assistant manager Jamie McAllister is confident that Ross Stewart can sustain his early season form and earn a call-up to the Scottish national team this season.

McAllister cherishes the one Scotland cap he made in 2004 and will be desperate to spur Stewart on to represent his country. The coach spoke glowingly of the striker when he was interviewed by the Northern Echo.

McAllister said: "He keeps on wanting to improve. He’s a great lad, and we know that Scotland have watched him. He’s definitely in their thoughts, and he’s definitely someone I think can add to the squad.

"It’s already a strong squad with Scotland at the moment, and if he just keeps doing the business with us, then I’m sure that will come. I’m sure that’s the next step for him."

Stewart has been capitalising regularly from the services of Elliot Embleton and Aiden McGeady this term to plunder seven goals in ten league appearances. If the 25-year-old can continue to be as clinical then a 20 goal target will become very realistic as we move towards the busy Christmas period.

The Black Cats travel to Gillingham on Saturday hoping to get back to winning ways after their 4-0 hammering at the hands of Danny Cowley's Portsmouth.

The Verdict

Stewart is receiving a lot of praise from various angles for his work ethic this season and grabbing his opportunity after Charlie Wyke left the striker berth vacant at the Stadium of Light.

Scotland do have a lot of depth particularly going forward at the moment with the likes of Sheffield United's Oliver McBurnie not commanding a spot even on the fringes. The competition for places should bring the best out of Stewart who, as he is playing in the third tier, will have to continue to bang in the goals to force his way into Steve Clarke's considerations.

The Scots are into the play-offs for World Cup qualification and therefore may have some matches on the horizon with less to play for where Clarke can afford to experiment a little more. If Stewart keeps his head down he has a great chance.