World Cup could come 'too soon' for Scotland hopeful Stewart

Falkirk striker Barney Stewart wants to finish his Premiership season strongly with more goals, but believes a surprise World Cup place may come too soon.

The 22-year-old, who was playing for Heriot-Watt University just 18 months ago, has enjoyed a remarkable rise this term to become one of the top flight's in-form strikers.

Stewart, who was nominated for the SPFL young player of the year award, has scored eight league goals in 14 appearances and is keen to add to his tally before the end of the campaign.

"Obviously, it's been a great season for me personally, but I'd love for the rise to keep continuing," he said.

"Obviously it'll be tough because we've got all the hardest teams in the league still to play, so to get a few more goals would be great. I'm happy with what's happened so far, but I'd love to score against all the big teams.

"I've actually been quite poor in those games this season when you look at my record. I've walked away from them happy with my individual performance, but a goal would just be the cherry on top.

"I'd like to hit 10 before the end of the season, so that's the personal target."

The striker has made four appearances for Scotland's Under-21s in their Euro 2028 qualifying campaign and started one of those matches.

Up top has been a problem area for senior side, and with the World Cup on the horizon, there have been suggestions that Stewart could be a surprise addition to the squad for the tournament in the United States.

However, Stewart himself feels he is still some way off making that step up.

"Personally, I think there are so many other good strikers in and around the Scotland set-up that it might be a little bit too soon for me, but you never know," he added.

"It's great that my name's in these conversations. It means I've been doing something right. I just take confidence from it."