The day Ross Stewart's world flipped before Swansea move and the taste he wants back

Stewart reflects on Southampton's Spygate heartbreak and his World Cup call-up on the same day, explaining his move to Swansea was driven by ambition to return to the Premier League.

Ross Stewart has opened up about one of the most turbulent days of his career. On May 19, he received two life-changing pieces of news: a World Cup squad call-up in the morning, followed by the announcement that Southampton would be expelled from the play-offs that evening due to the Spygate scandal.

Stewart had just scored in the play-off semi-final against Middlesbrough, a goal that was subsequently expunged from the record. "I went through a real high and a real low," he said. "When we were chucked out, you never truly believe that's what they're doing. But what happened, happened and the decision was made and you can be really upset about it, but it's football and you've just got to move on."

The striker joined Swansea City on a free transfer over the summer, driven by a desire for long-term security and a fresh challenge rather than any fallout from the Southampton situation. His primary goal is to return to the Premier League after a previous injury-hit spell at the top flight. Russell Martin, now Leicester City manager, had previously given Stewart his Premier League taste at Southampton and later tried to sign him again, though Stewart ultimately chose Swansea.