Sam Parkin has tipped Sunderland forward Ross Stewart to 'play at the highest level' after he marked his return from injury with a goal against Hull City on Saturday.
Stewart missed over three months with a thigh injury but fired Sunderland ahead within 14 minutes of replacing Ellis Simms. Ozan Tufan equalised late on for the Tigers as both sides served up a 1-1 draw at the MKM Stadium.
The Scotsman had scored five goals in seven appearances prior to his injury and Parkin believes his return will help the Black Cats in their quest to reach the Championship play-offs.
"He's been sorely missed. He's a big player. I think he's someone who is destined to probably play at the highest level because of his attributes as a forward player," Parkin told ITV's EFL Highlights.
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"We saw a good example there that he can play on the shoulder. He's good with his back to goal, he can score an array of goals.
"Sunderland have done really well to get through this period without their recognised strikers. And they should be on the up now they've all returned."
Stewart scored 26 goals in 53 games for Sunderland last term as they achieved promotion to the Championship via the League One play-offs after a four-year hiatus.
The 26-year-old was rewarded for his stellar campaign by being handed his first two caps for Scotland in June.
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