Ross Stewart was left out of the Swansea City squad for Saturday's defeat to West Ham United because of homegrown player rules.

Scotland striker Stewart has managed only two substitute appearances since joining Swansea in August, thanks in part to fitness issues.

The 30-year-old was denied the chance to add to that tally this weekend because of the need to include a minimum of seven homegrown players in a matchday squad.

A homegrown player is one who spent at least three years with an English or Welsh club before turning 21.

Stewart spent his formative years playing non-league football in Scotland, hence he was omitted against West Ham and Vitor Matos instead named Welsh teenager Thomas Woodward on the bench.

Swansea were short of homegrown players because Filip Lissah was missing through suspension while defenders Josh Key and Cameron Burgess are both on the injured list.

"It's a football decision from the situation that we have with the injuries of Cam and Keysey and Fil's suspension," said Matos.

"I don't know why, but the Scottish players don't count. Someone can explain that to me.

"Because of that, we needed to make a decision with the short term and that's the decision I made."

Woodward, fellow youngster Carter Heywood, Lawrence Vigouroux, Ben Cabango, Josh Tymon, Adam Idah and Andy Fisher were the seven homegrown players in Swansea's squad against West Ham.

Lissah's return from suspension should pave the way for Stewart to come back into Matos' squad when Swansea return to action at Queens Park Rangers next weekend.