Stewart’s recent form is the obvious reason for the focus. The report says he has scored nine goals since January, with important strikes deep into high-pressure matches, including in the FA Cup and the play-off semi-final.
That matters because finals rarely become open, free-flowing games. They tend to be decided by:
Stewart appears to give Southampton all three. After injury setbacks disrupted his rhythm, he now looks like a forward arriving at the game’s biggest moments rather than chasing them.
Southampton have technical players and plenty of ball-carrying quality, but a fit Stewart gives them a different reference point. He can occupy centre-backs, attack crosses and offer a more direct route when matches become tense.
That variety is crucial in a play-off final. If Hull City sit compactly, Southampton may need:
Stewart’s resurgence also seems to have lifted his wider profile. Reports suggest he has returned to the Scotland squad after a long absence, underlining how quickly a strong finish can alter a player’s trajectory.
There is already resilience in Stewart’s story, from early setbacks to the struggle for fitness and form. But comeback narratives only really harden when they deliver something tangible. For Southampton, that means promotion. For Stewart, it means proving that this late-season burst is not just a good run, but the start of his next level. Wembley is the next step - and possibly the biggest one yet.