Inverness Caley Thistle forward Betty Ross looking to kick on and reach the top of Scottish women's football after adjusting to higher level from Highlands and Islands League
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Caley Thistle Women's Betty Ross insists the best is yet to come from her on the pitch – with the teenager targetting a rise to the very top of Scottish women's football.
The 19-year-old stepped up from Clachnacuddin in the Highlands and Islands League to the third tier of the pyramid with ICT just over a year ago.
It has been an adjustment period for the prolific goalscorer, with increased physicality making it more difficult for Ross to create chances to find the net.
She feels as though she is starting to really find her feet again now, though, and believes there is plenty more to come now that she is settling into Championship life.
"Coming in as the new girl it was hard to adapt to the level of physicality, but I'm getting there," Ross, a sports physiotherapy student, said.
"I know I can do it, so it's just about giving myself that time and keeping going. It's not always easy, but I knew I needed to step up.
"I've been going to the gym, and in recent games my dad has been saying he has started to see my style of play a bit more. That makes me feel happy that I'm starting to develop what I need to compete in this league."
Although it has been a step up in quality, Ross is looking to keep progressing to an even higher level.
Having played for Scottish regional selects while at school, Ross has seen former teammates kick on to the top flight, and long-term she is hoping to get to that level with Caley Thistle.
"I want to score more goals and become more confident on the pitch," she said.
"I still feel like the best is yet to come from me, so it's just about getting there.
"It's just about adapting. I used to play in the north region squad at under-14s and under-16s, and I see other girls in that squad playing in the Premiership now.
"That's my goal, to keep developing to get back to that level. I hope I can do that with Inverness, because then I'll be able to do that with my hometown club."
Caley Thistle have started the season well as they aim for promotion. losing just two matches to date, and Ross credits manager Karen Mason with keeping standards high in training.
Their next test will come at Inverness Royal Academy on Sunday afternoon as Hutchison Vale – bottom of the table – visit the Highland capital.
It presents a chance for Ross to get back amongst the goals, and she will be cheered on as always by her biggest fan: her dad.
"Hopefully this Sunday is a chance to get a couple of goals," Ross added.
"My dad keeps telling me they will come, so hopefully this is a game that can get me going.
"He was the one that actually messaged Karen for me to go over and sign. I'm the type of person that hates change, so I needed that push, and it's been good.
"He videos all my games, and then he tells me what I can do better.
"It's good to have an outside view on how I've performed, so I never get away from coaching – it's from the minute I wake up in the morning!
"He's been massive for me. My mum has as well."
