Stewart injury 'a chance for someone else' - but who?

Ross Stewart lasted just 30 minutes in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Derby County

Two years ago Ross Stewart was one of the EFL's most sought-after strikers. He averaged a goal every other game at Sunderland, form which he would have expected to continue after making the switch to Southampton.

Sadly injuries have seen the Scot spend more time in the club's treatment room than out on the pitch.

It was hoped his two goals, including the winner in the 2-1 victory over Sheffield United, would be the turning point in his Southampton career. Yet 30 minutes into Saturday's 1-1 draw at Derby, he was forced off with another problem.

Watching on from the press box, I was optimistic in the fact Stewart was able to walk from behind the Rams' goal to the technical area, before heading straight down the tunnel. However, afterwards, manager Will Still confirmed it was a "pulled hamstring".

By the time you are reading this, Southampton will probably know the severity of the setback. Depending on it being classified as either a grade one, two or three hamstring injury, the recovery timeline can range from a couple of weeks up to several months.

The question needs to be asked whether it was wise for Stewart to make his third start in seven days, given his history of setbacks.

Moving forward, in the short term at least, someone else will be given a chance to stake a claim for the lone striker role. Still doesn't appear to be convinced by Cameron Archer, an unused substitute in two of the last three games, and with a record of one goal in his last 34 league appearances.

Instead, he may look to American international Damion Downs, a striker Still describes as "unique" when compared to other squad options, and a talent who has "scored goals at a very good level" (10 goals for champions Koln in 2. Bundesliga last season).

I'll be honest, the 21-year-old looked out of his depth in the half an hour or so of substitute minutes I saw from him on Saturday.

Just nine Championship games into the job, Still has already shown he's prepared to make big calls.

The likes of Gavin Bazunu, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes are warming the bench in line with their manager's approach of trusting in both his gut and what the data shows him.

The softly spoken Still won't shy away from another key decision, but sooner rather than later he has to start winning more games.