SCOTLAND striker Ross Stewart insists speculation over his Sunderland future will not distract him on the pitch as he moves closer to a comeback.
The former Ross County and St Mirren player is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a return north of the border with Rangers.
The 26-year-old is on course to return to action after the World Cup break after sustaining a thigh tear at the end of September.
And Stewart, who scored five goals in seven Championship games before the set-back, insists his only concern is making sure he continues to deliver for Tony Mowbray’s team.
Stewart, speaking to the Sunderland Echo, said: “For me it’s just about getting back to full fitness, getting back to playing.
“All that stuff in the background, down the line that will get dealt with one way or another and for me it’s just about focusing on doing well for this club, for my team-mates, and hopefully getting us kicking on up the table.
“It’s 100% about focusing on Sunderland and getting back to making an impact.
“Football is a business and that takes care of itself - it’s (outside noise) not going to deviate my focus which is to get back on the pitch and then to contribute to the team doing well.”
