Alex Neil was never worried about Ross Stewart's barren run - insisting the ever-present striker's all-round contribution has been a crucial component in Sunderland's play-off charge. Stewart scored twice in Sunderland's 5-1 win against Cambridge United at the weekend, ending his eight-game drought that dated back almost two months.
But, prior to that dry spell, the goals had flowed freely for Stewart and - including his weekend brace - he now has 24 goals to his name, making him League One's top scorer and his form this season was recognised when he earned his first senior Scotland call-up last month. Neil was delighted to see Stewart scoring again, however he says the 25-year-old's role spearheading the attack has played a vital part in the Black Cats' run of seven wins in 11 unbeaten games, no matter who got the goals.
"I didn't know how long it was," said Neil of Stewart's goalless run. "Eight games? I didn't realise it was as long as that. Ross is our number nine, he leads the line and he's a good striker. He's scored 24 goals this season, and that's a great return.
READ MORE: Ross Stewart's relief at ending his goal drought as Sunderland close in on play-off place
"Even if he goes through a little spell where he doesn't score, as long as he is contributing to the team and he's doing what's asked of him, that's fine. During that spell, I'm conscious of the fact that we haven't played with natural [right and left] footers playing down the respective flanks.
"So the deliveries haven't helped him at times, because that isn't the kind of player he is. I'm aware of that, but we have still won games. What I have said to Ross is that he needs to do his job for the team, and then when we can do the job for you then great. We just need to adapt, and he has adapted great."
Sunderland's weekend win lifted the Black Cats up to fourth place in the table, and keeps them firmly on course to secure a play-off spot. They have two more games remaining, with automatic promotion-chasing Rotherham due on Wearside tomorrow night, before a final day trip to relegation-threatened Morecambe on Saturday.
Sunderland could clinch a play-off place tomorrow if they beat the Millers, and Sheffield Wednesday suffer an unlikely defeat at Fleetwood. But the more likely scenario is that the play-off race will go down to the last day of the season.
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