More still to come from latest Scotland call-up Ross Stewart ahead of Polan friendly, according to former Ross County manager Steven Ferguson
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Steven Ferguson believes Ross Stewart is yet to realise his full potential despite earning a Scotland call-up this week.
With the former Ross County striker in the squad for the friendly against Poland, the Staggies’ chief executive is convinced national coach Steve Clarke will have encountered a “manager’s dream” in the 25-year-old, now starring for Sunderland.
Stewart, a reject in youth spells at Celtic and Partick Thistle, clawed back up the ranks through Ayrshire juniors Ardeer Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers, before joining Albion Rovers, then St Mirren with a 10-goal loan spell at Alloa.
Undervalued by the Buddies, then-County co-managers Ferguson and Kettlewell snapped him up and set to work.
There followed 28 goals in 81 games before the big move to Wearside in February last year, where 25 goals in 56 games has seen him christened the “Loch Ness Drogba”.
Clarke’s call is the latest accolade, but not the last, Ferguson is convinced.
“I firmly believe that Ross has got another couple of levels to go,” County CEO Ferguson insisted.
“We’re still talking potential with Ross. He stands 6ft 4in, really robust and he’s such a good finisher. That’s something Stuart worked tirelessly on with him. He did so much unselfish stuff it was sometimes easy to forget how good he was at sticking the ball in the net.
“It is the pinnacle of any career – and he deserves it. He was a fantastically low maintenance type of player, no ego, and such an intent listener. He played a massive part for Stuart and I in winning the Championship and then staying in the Premiership.”
Ferguson suspects Stewart will have slotted seamlessly into Clarke’s squad.
“Stuart and I did a lot of homework on Ross prior to actually approaching St Mirren,” he explained.
“Although he was raw and gangly, we knew we were signing potential. Ross was very coach-able – and that’s a dream for any manager.
“He is well-mannered, selfless and that brings a likeability factor as well. I’ve no doubt he will fit in really well with the Scotland group.
“International football is a big step for Ross, but no more than he deserves.”
