West Brom striker makes physicality admission after summer transfer

Stewart moved from Scottish Premiership outfit Falkirk to The Hawthorns early in the summer in a £2million transfer.

It continued a remarkable rise for the Scotland youth international, who was poached by Falkirk from university level football in late 2024.

Stewart, 22, has had to bide his time for a shot as a starting option for boss James Morrison but recently had the nod against Wrexham and Blackburn and netted his first Baggies goal in the latter. But the striker knows the difference in physical standard north of the border is vast and he needs time to adjust.

"There's a few things - obviously I've not had a massive taste of it,” Stewart said.

"There's the physicality of it in terms of there is no VAR, so you'll be getting shoves and barges and the ref isn't looking.

"In the Scottish Prem - there's a couple of occasions for example where I'd have gone down, but you don't get given anything (here).

"So there are just a lot of little things where I need to switch on to a little bit more, in terms of the barges off the ball, nudges before you receive balls.

"The defenders are units here. They are big up there, but they are even bigger down here!”

Stewart is competing with Aune Heggebo and Jimmy-Jay Morgan for a place in Morrison’s frontline. He has struck up a friendly relationship with the latter after the pair checked into the club on the same early-summer day.

Albion were keen on a fourth striker this summer but could not land another frontman. Despite his rise, Stewart did not lack confidence and was keen to pick the club’s number nine shirt.

He was well marshalled at Preston on Saturday, where Morrison said Stewart is a striker who thrives on service.

"Yes, it's definitely quicker,” Stewart added. “The speed of thought, speed of play, and I think opportunities come a little rarer, because teams basically just defend better. A better quality of defenders - no hate on the Scottish leagues."