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James Smailes

Ross Stewart's first words on Sunderland promotion, emotional goal and Wembley fans

An emotional Ross Stewart says he's lost for words after scoring the goal that made sure Sunderland returned to the Championship with Wembley play-off success. The 25-year-old Scot scored in the 79th minute of the League One play-off final to send the Black Cats' fans wild as the club made it successive victories at Wembley following years of frustration at the national stadium.

In essence, it was a comfortable afternoon for Sunderland who led as early as the 12th minute through Elliot Embleton's terrific solo goal and then rubber-stamped the victory through Stewart in the closing 10 minutes.

It meant a return to the Championship with a victory over a team who the Black Cats finished one place and one point above after 46 League One fixtures. The scenes at Wembley Stadium were incredible with Alex Neil and his players emotional at the final whistle, celebrating in front of a party atmosphere at the national stadium.

READ MORE: Sunderland 2-0 Wycombe Wanderers LIVE: Embleton and Stewart goals seal promotion to the Championship

Stewart echoed what all Sunderland fans know, that the club are too big to be languishing in League One and he's delighted to have played a part in taking the team back to the second tier of English football.

"You couldn't have chosen a better way to do it. Its an unbelievable feeling. You look at that crowd, that's what it's all about, " Stewart told Sky Sports.

"I think we are a confident group but at the same time we respected our opponents. I think you saw we were excellent today and it was thoroughly deserved. I'm struggling for words.

"The first goal was massive. Wycombe defend their goal really well so we though the first goal was going to be really crucial. To get it so early, that probably settled us down. For large parts we were very comfortable and to get the second goal brought us home."

Stewart's Wembley goal was the 26th of a fantastic season that saw him score in the opening match of the campaign and the final match.

"Today was the icing on the cake to get to 26 and in a game of such importance, it's something I'll look back on," added Stewart.

"It means a lot. The club is too big a club to be in League One and we've finally got out of there."

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