When Ross Munro was told he would be Ross County’s second choice goalkeeper this season, it was only natural nerves would creep in.
Munro was only 18 when Staggies co-managers Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson tasked him with providing competition for first choice Scott Fox, effectively replacing the experienced Aaron McCarey who left last summer.
Although all five of his senior appearances have come in the Staggies’ successful IRN-BRU Cup run, Munro feels the added responsibility has helped him come of age and he credits Fox. along with the Staggies management team, for making his first team grounding a smooth one.
Munro said: “It was obviously a wee bit scary coming up into the senior team. I was surprised when they wanted me – although I was really proud of myself.
“For them to show faith in a youngster like me just shows what they are about. It showed I had obviously done something right and hopefully I have proved to them I can be a number two at this age. My challenge has just been to repay them.
“It has not been too challenging though. I’ve said before, Scott Fox has been really good and looked after me. He has made me confident, while Scott Thomson and the managers have helped a lot as well and kept me focused.
“It’s obviously early stages, but I think I can show it can be done. I joined the youth setup at under-15s level and have just worked my way up. It is quite possible. With the right people, it can make it easier to progress.
“Hopefully that can inspire a few others to do it.”
Munro, who grew up in Nairn, savoured his place on Saturday’s open-top bus parade to celebrate County’s Championship title triumph, with the 19-year-old adding: “I remember I was there when they got promoted the first time in 2012, and more recently I remember the League Cup was another big part of the history of the club.
“To be on it was quite surreal, looking down at all the fans where I was a few years ago. It was a proud moment for myself. I was looking about and I saw a few family and familiar faces. It was a good turnout.”
County’s prize will be a place in the top-flight next term, with Munro having committed to the cause by signing a new one-year contract earlier this week.
Munro added: “I was on the bench for a few games in the top flight, which gave me a taste for it.
“For the boys to be back in the Premiership is really good. The club deserves to be there – we are a Premiership outfit.
“It’s really good to see, for the fans and the club, for us to be in the top-flight. I’m signed up for another year, which just keeps me going at this club.
“I’m really happy with that and I just want to kick on now.”