Highland League can continue to have impact on development of Staggies' starlets as Ross County manager Malky Mackay touts success of Matthew Wright and Adam Mackinnon, now on loan at Montrose
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It was good enough for future Scotland stars like Willie Miller, Duncan Shearer and Jim Leighton. Even Celtic’s late great genius Jimmy Johnstone dabbled in it during the twilight years of a wonderful career.
The Highland League has traditionally proven a fertile breeding ground for younger talent and it is a resource that Malky Mackay appreciates having on his doorstep.
The Ross County manager credits Scotland’s northerly fifth tier for accelerating the progress of his two Stornoway-bred youngsters, Matthew Wright and Adam Mackinnon – now on loan at Montrose.
The legendary Miller enjoyed a formative loan period at Peterhead in season ‘71/72, while Leighton’s loan to Deveronvale in ‘77/78 was also a prelude to great career progress with Aberdeen. Fort William’s Shearer went from Clach to Chelsea in 1983, while fellow Lochaber lad John McGinlay was at Nairn County and Elgin City before rising up the English league ranks to Bolton Wanderers.
Many other greats like Charlie Christie, Graeme Shinnie, Steve Paterson, Hamish French and Donald Park cut their teeth in the demanding environment.
“We need to keep this going with the younger ones coming through – that step into the Highland League is a great start for them,” Mackay said.
“It really puts them ahead of the curve of other boys their own age. They are playing against men. It makes a big difference. It’s something that should be part of our club’s strategy for the next 10 years.
“Ultimately, I want them playing here at County, and then the club being proud of them as they’re sold and go on to have big careers and end up playing for Scotland.”
Goalscorer Wright hit 20 goals in 22 games on loan at Brora last season, while creative midfielder Mackinnon also thrived before the pair returned in January.
“We played Montrose last year and I like how Stewart Petrie goes about his business,” Mackay said. “They are two great kids now making their absolute mark at Montrose.
“They are actually starting to mould their own personalities into the team. I have got no doubts the two of them will end up playing here, it’s just a matter of when.”
