Startled readers did a double take before examining the sub text which inserted the crucial phrase "without Ronald Ross's goals."

Rewriting the record book without Ross' goals would indeed have seen the Kingussie giants in North Division One next season, but the Kingussie faithful can rest safe in the knowledge that their prize asset will be around for a few more seasons before bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary career.

He hit 55 goals out of the 82 scored as Kingussie retained the Premier Division title, their 13th triumph in the 14 years since the National League was introduced in 1996 with Ross a key figure in every flag-winning season. His season's total in all competitions was 93, only one short of his all-time record.

Ross, who turned 35 in October, has just completed another memorable season, the highlight of which was becoming the first shinty player to reach the 1000-goal career milestone.

Few sportsmen achieve such a mark of distinction, although when Brazilian soccer legend Pele reached this same landmark the country commissioned a stamp in his honour.

No such recognition will be afforded to Ross, but his achievement has gained national headlines for a sport largely ignored by the Scottish national press.

The 2008 Marine Harvest awards, finally presented in June 2009, made special mention of Ross' achievement, giving him what was effectively a lifetime achievement award.

Later in the year, he was shortlisted in the amateur category for the Sunday Mail Sports Awards and also the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland awards. Ross came close in the televised sports awards ceremony in November, but later in the month lifted the distiller's award for the second time.

Given what he has achieved in the sport already, it is easy ask the question what is there left to do. A fistful of medals from every shinty competition in the sport, numerous Scotland caps at both under-21 and senior level would leave most players satisfied, but the bad news for the rest of shinty is that Ross shows no sign of letting up and fully intends to play his part next season as former team-mate Steve Borthwick takes the reins at the Dell.

"I have been very fortunate," he stated. "Motivation has never been a problem for me.

"I also have a hatred of losing, which carries you through difficult games. Throughout my career, I have also been lucky enough to play alongside some outstanding players."

Ross rejects the assertion that Kingussie are a one-man team and that without his input they would not have enjoyed their huge successes of the past two decades.

Kingussie goal machine Ronald Ross celebrates another strike. Neil G. Paterson

"I play my part, but I am only one guy out of 12 on a Saturday and I enjoy tremendous support on and off the pitch at Kingussie," he added.

Career influences are many for Ross, who himself is an inspiration to a legion of youngsters coming into the sport.

"Certainly my father has encouraged me throughout my career" he said. "Also coming into the senior side at Kingussie when such greats as Rory Fraser, Davie Anderson, the Borthwicks - Steve and Dave - and also Dave Thompson were in their prime was a fantastic experience."

Strangely for the sport's finest ever goalscorer, one of the major influences on his early career was the legendary Newtonmore custodian Hughie Chisholm.

"Watching Hugh as a kid had a huge influence on me," he stated. "Watching him play was memorable and the way that he could flick even the hardest of shots over the bar grabbed my imagination.

"All I wanted to do at the time was to copy him, but as years went by I was persuaded to play outfield."

Games which remain in the memory are the incredible 12-1 win in the 1997 Camanachd Cup final over arch rivals Newtonmore in which Ross scored six goals and also the 1998 grand slam winning campaign in which he captained the side.

During his career, Ross has played against the best defenders in the sport. Although no-one has ever completely managed to stifle him, the player he found it most difficult against was Oban Camanachd's Gordon MacIntyre.

"Gordon was a very clever player and the way he continued to play after losing the sight in one eye was incredible," he added.

Ross, who as a youngster was an outstanding tennis player, went on to represent the North of Scotland and also Scotland before opting for a sporting career in shinty. Indeed, he has kept a keen eye on the progress of Andy Murray, who he first met as a competitor in the boys' championships.

Ross recalls Murray's early days saying that from the start he possessed extraordinary dedication, motivation and a sporting cunning.

Qualities that friends and foes will testify that the player dubbed the "Ronaldo of the Glens" also has in abundance.

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