Ross Stewart a 'manager's dream' as former Ross County manager Steven Ferguson reflects on Scotland call-up's progress in Dingwall and Sunderland
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Steven Ferguson believes Ross Stewart has the potential to climb “another couple of levels” in his career after earning a Scotland call-up.
The Ross County chief executive is also convinced national coach Steve Clarke will encounter a “manager’s dream” in 25-year-old Stewart, the former Staggies striker now plying his trade impressively at Sunderland.
Stewart arrived at County a rough diamond in summer 2018 before winning a Championship and Challenge Cup double.
A reject in youth spells at Celtic and Partick Thistle, he 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 for County before the big move to Wearside in February last year. Every challenge has been devoured by Stewart, with 25 goals in 56 games for the League One Black Cats seeing him christened the “Loch Ness Drogba” by fans.
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,” the County CEO said. “We’re still talking potential with Ross.
“There’s still room for improvement. He stands 6ft 4in, really low-belt and robust and he’s such a good finisher. That’s something Stuart Kettlewell worked tirelessly on with him.
“Ross could do it all, every type of finish – right foot, left foot or his head – but he did so much unselfish stuff it was sometimes easy to forget how good he was at finding the right areas and sticking the ball in the net.
“It is the pinnacle of any career to get a national call-up. For Ross to have achieved that so soon after leaving Ross County, we’re absolutely delighted for him.
“He deserves it. He was a fantastically low maintenance type of player, no ego, and such an intent listener and worker.
“He played a massive part for Stuart and I in winning the Championship and then staying in the Premiership.
“Players know they can come here and progress and, even now under Malky Mackay, that is very much the model. We offer the stage and then the individual has to go and fulfil their side of the bargain by performing for the club before moving on.”
Ferguson is as keen a Scotland follower as anyone and suspects Stewart, in the running for a first cap in the friendly against Poland tonight, will slot seamlessly into Clarke’s squad and managerial mindset.
“Stuart and I did a lot of homework on Ross prior to actually approaching St Mirren,” he said.
“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.
“Steve has done a fantastic job in finding players just like that who are able to take in their information and carry out tasks. Ross is well-mannered, selfless and has no ego. That brings a likeability factor as well and I’ve no doubt he will fit in really well with the Scotland group.
“It is a big step for Ross getting that international call-up, but no more than he deserves. Sometimes you feel people don’t get the credit they deserve and it is very pleasing to see Ross Stewart get that recognition.”
