ST MIRREN full-back Jack Ross feels he is still improving as a player at the age of 32 after being re-energised by his debut season in Paisley.
Ross played at Hampden for the first time last week as Saints lost to Rangers in the Homecoming Scottish Cup semi-final. His move from Falkirk has been positive over the long term too as he revels in an attacking right-back role.
"I've loved it,"
said Ross, whose team host Inverness in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League today. "Usually that shows on the park, if you're enjoying it training-wise that usually reflects on performances. I've thoroughly enjoyed being part of the team and I've been happy with my performances in the main. If we can finish high up the league, I'll look back and say it was an enjoyable season, and one that we can build on."
Ross was club captain at Falkirk but he refused to settle for playing a lesser role and moved on. "I had enjoyed myself there and had reasonable success and played my part in the team doing pretty well," he said. "Sometimes you need a fresh challenge and I've got that here. I've loved it from the beginning. I've enjoyed my football and want to continue enjoying it in these games and get what we deserve for the effort we have out in.
"I think I have improved as a player every year I have been in the SPL. Sometimes people make a big deal about age but I'm 32 and I look back at when I was 26 and I think I'm fitter, stronger and a better footballer now. I feel I improved every year at Falkirk and I feel as if I have done that here. The manager gives me a licence to go forward as much as I can and I've enjoyed that – I'm a frustrated midfielder anyway!"
Ross will only look back on the season as a success if St Mirren pull away from trouble at the bottom of the SPL, however. The Buddies are six points above bottom club Falkirk and a victory over Inverness could set them up for their first finish in the top eight for 20 years. "The progression will only continue if we stay in the SPL," Ross said. "If we can progress on the league positions of the last few years, even better, but first and foremost it's securing that status."
Inverness make their first trip to St Mirren Park knowing that three points can lift them above the Buddies and give them a good chance of beating the drop. With five teams all involved in the relegation struggle, striker Dougie Imrie knows it is time to roll up the sleeves.
"It could get messy down there because everyone will be fighting for their life and there will be a few six-pointers," said Imrie. "Everybody's capable of beating each other so we need to get a few wins straightaway and make sure we're not needing wins in the latter games.
"We'd obviously like to win all five but if we can't, the next best thing would be to win as many as possible and hope results elsewhere go your way.
"Their new ground looks like a nice little stadium and their fans will get right behind them that's for sure. But if we can frustrate them and perhaps grab an early goal, it'll get the crowd on their back and make life difficult for them."
The full article contains 592 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
