Sunderland striker Ross Stewart, who has been linked with Norwich City, has been described as a manager's dream to work with. The claim was made by Steven Ferguson, the chief executive of his former side Ross County.

The 25-year-old has scored 22 goals in 43 appearances for the Black Cats this season and has just been rewarded for his eye-catching form with a call-up to the Scotland squad by boss Steve Clarke.

Stewart made a name for himself at Ross County, where he scored 28 goals in 81 matches before landing a move to the Stadium of Light in the 2021 January transfer window.

He has gone from strength to strength on Wearside and been a key part of Alex Neil's side this campaign as they push for promotion out of League One.

Norwich are reportedly in a summer move for the forward who has just over a year left on his Sunderland contract. And in what should be exciting news for Canaries fans, Ferguson believes the player has what it takes to play at a higher level than England's third tier.

"I firmly believe that Ross has got another couple of levels to go. We’re still talking potential with Ross," he said to the Ross-shire Journal. "There’s still room for improvement. He stands 6ft 4in, really low-belt and robust and he’s such a good finisher.

"Ross could do it all, every type of finish – right foot, left foot or his head – but he did so much unselfish stuff it was sometimes easy to forget how good he was at finding the right areas and sticking the ball in the net. It is the pinnacle of any career to get a national call-up.

"For Ross to have achieved that so soon after leaving Ross County, we’re absolutely delighted for him. He deserves it. He was a fantastically low-maintenance type of player, no ego, and such an intent listener and worker. He played a massive part for Stuart and I in winning the Championship and then staying in the Premiership.