Mental strength earned 16-year-old Jamie Williamson senior debut in play-off final, says Ross County head of professional academy Gary Warren
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Ross County's play-off comeback against Partick Thistle will live long in the memories of Staggies supporters – but it was a milestone moment for a different reason for one player.
Jamie Williamson made his senior debut as a substitute in extra time, replacing Alex Samuel who had run himself into the ground.
After securing top flight football for another year, first team manager Malky Mackay joked that he had no idea what Williamson looked like 24 hours before the second leg, with the 16-year-old never having trained with the senior squad beforehand.
However, the former Alness United youth player coped well given the stakes at play – and with how turbulent the match itself was.
It was an exciting moment for the youngster, but also a proud one for his academy coaches who have watched his development closely.
In particular, former Inverness Caledonian Thistle captain – and Ross County's current head of professional academy, Gary Warren was delighted to see Williamson slot into the middle of the park against Partick.
"I was excited for him, because I know how it feels to make your first team debut," Warren said.
"I was probably more excited for him than I was for my own debut, because I've worked with him for a little period of time.
"He was mostly with the under-16s until around Christmas time, then he joined the under-18s.
"He was with them at times early in the season anyway because he was making good progress, but he stepped up part way through the season and he has done really well and improved quite a lot.
"You always want to see young players do well and make a name for themselves in the right way, and he came on and didn't look out of place.
"He did what he was asked to do. I actually thought he might step up and take a penalty (in the shoot-out), because he did that quite a lot for the under-16s, but I think he was next in line.
"I was very proud as a coach, for him, and his family as well."
Having the character to cope with being thrown in at the deepest of deep ends should, in theory, bode well for Williamson’s future.
Footballers can have all the technical ability in the world, but if their attitude and understanding of the game is not good enough, their ceiling will be limited.
The mental side of things though, according to Warren, is one area where Williamson already excels.
"Sometimes when you throw a young kid into the mix, they haven't got the pressures that older players in the team have," Warren reasoned.
"More experienced players could be playing for their mortgage or have other life pressures. A young lad doesn't have that, so there's a little bit of freedom to go and express and enjoy yourself.
"Jamie was given an opportunity, and I know he was excited about it but also nervous because it was his first appearance.
"He didn't think he was going to come on, but the way the game panned out meant he had to step up.
"I think that says a lot about where he is in terms of his development.
"He's very driven – he's a leader in his own right.
"Although he's only 16, he's got the physical characteristics already which is why the first team manager had no hesitation in throwing him straight in. Technically, he's very good on the ball and always looking to make passes.
"He understands the game tactically, and from a coach's point of view he takes on board instructions very well and understands his role in the team.
"The biggest thing for me is his character. He has that mental resilience about him and wants to get better every day. He comes through knock-backs, and that's probably what sets him aside at the moment."
