Nairn goalkeeper grateful to remain professional footballer at Ross County
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ROSS Munro is determined to grasp the opportunity Ross County have given him of remaining a professional goalkeeper.
The Nairn man has signed a new one-year deal to stay at the Global Energy Stadium as the Staggies prepare for the new Premiership season.
Munro (21), who came through the Ross County academy after signing from Nairn County at under-15 level, has impressed for the Staggies previously.
Most notably during their winning 2019 Challenge Cup campaign where he was given the chance to show what he can do by playing in every game during the tournament.
Since then, most first team opportunities have come from being sent on loan to clubs in the lower leagues.
But after talks with new manager Malky Mackay, he is determined to show what he can do and take any chances that come his way.
"When I signed the papers I spoke to the manager about things,” said Munro.
“He was saying that if I work hard, we will see what happens.
“He seems a good guy and I think he will do very well for us.
“I don’t take any of it for granted and I will work as hard I can and see what opportunities come up for me.”
Munro says he was delighted to agree terms with Ross County and stay with a top flight football club, especially as it is only a short commute from his home in Nairn.
But he is most grateful to be given the chance of remaining a professional football player.
“Obviously it is good to stay full time and to stay at Ross County especially," said Munro.
"I am from Nairn so it is not too bad in the mornings and it is a nice drive, I usually car share with the boys so it is not too bad.
“It is close to home and it is a really good set up there so I am over the moon.”
Munro was given a first team chance when he played in Ross County’s 2018/19 Challenge Cup campaign which they went to go on to win the tournament.
He also went on loan to Kirkcaldy when he part of the Raith Rovers squad which won League One in the shortened 2019/20 season where he impressed.
He also went on short loan periods to Annan Athletic and Cowdenbeath and says during his time away from Dingwall, he has learned a lot.
“Raith Rovers were a good club to go down to and have a good bit of game time there," he said.
“I was quite lucky to go there and win the league with them, it was a good club where the players were top level.”
Recalling the Challenge Cup success at Ross County, he said: ”That was a good run for me, they were good times as the boys won the Championship.
"The cup run was special to me as that was the first big cup that I have played in.”
At present, it is likely Munro will be Ross County’s number two at the start of the Premiership season, with Ross Laidlaw, the club’s player of the year in the 2020/21 campaign, likely to stay as the first choice goalkeeper.
However, Munro is content to learn what he can from Laidlaw to improve his own game, as well push him for the number one shirt.
"As pre-season started, we were running partners along with the younger goalkeeper Logan Ross, we all stuck together and pulled each other through.
"I always learn from the goalkeepers I work with, Ross has helped me a lot, he keeps me grounded and teaches me along the way.
"If I do something wrong or sees something he will explain it.
“He’s good with me and I hope that I can push him as he pushes me.
“It is a good bond we have got.”
Ross County have narrowly escaped relegation from the Premiership in the last two seasons.
But Munro is confident with the changes made at the club, they can steer clear from any fight against the drop in the 2021/22 campaign.
"I think we’ll do just fine from what I have seen,” said Munro.
“We have new people in place so hopefully that will revive the place.
"There are also more players to come in yet in the next month so.
“But I have high hopes for Ross County this season.”
