Ross Stewart has spoken of his 'pride' after making his international debut in Scotland's Nations League win against Armenia last night. Stewart's form for Sunderland last season, which saw the former Ross County man score 24 time in the league and add two more goals in the play-offs as the Black Cats earned promotion to the Championship, saw his force his way into Scotland boss Steve Clarke's plans.
He was first called up in March but did not get onto the pitch in the friendlies against Poland and Austria. But he was included in the squad again this month, and he earned his first cap as a substitute in the 2-0 win against Armenia at Hampden.
And while his first appearance was brief - he replaced Bournemouth's Ryan Christie for the final three minutes of normal time - it in no way diminished Stewart's pride at representing his country. "It felt really surreal," said Stewart of his debut, which saw Scotland win thanks to first-half goals from Anthony Ralston and Scott McKenna.
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"It's obviously a really proud moment, I'm delighted to get my debut and to get it in a game that has importance on it and one that we went on to win makes it even better, and overall it was just a really proud night. I think you're just concentrating on the game, and you only get five or so minutes at the end, you do take it in a wee bit but it's a game and you want to get on and make an impact in the short time that you've got.
"My parents were here tonight, so I'm sure they'll talk a lot about it afterwards! It's a very proud moment for me, but also for them and I'm very glad they could be here when I got my first minutes."
He added: "This has been my second [training] camp, and both camps I have really enjoyed. It's an incredible experience to be in with the boys and it is probably this camp that I have really started to settle, and I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
"It's great to finally come on and play minutes on the pitch because that's what you want to do as a player, and hopefully I can continue to do that."
Scotland's win came after their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar had been ended following their play-off defeat at the hands of Ukraine, who in turn saw their hopes dashed by Wales who will compete in their first finals since 1958. Scotland's attention has instead switched to the Nations League, and they next travel to take on the Republic of Ireland on Saturday before heading out to Armenia for the return game on Tuesday.
Stewart said: "It was very important [to get off to a good start in the Nations League]. Obviously last week [the defeat against Ukraine] was a disappointment so it was all about showing character to react to that and I thought the boys did that really well and it was a really comfortable victory, a really professional victory, and the only thing is that we were probably unlucky not to get another couple of goals."
"The fans have come out and supported us in their numbers again and the boys are very thankful for that, and I've got no doubt we will see them over in Ireland and probably in Armenia as well. They play a big part in it as well, so it is great to send them home after [having seen] a victory."
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