Ross County forward Ross Stewart will not allow reported interest from English Championship clubs distract him from his goalscoring task with the Staggies.
Stewart has taken his tally to 11 for the season with three goals in his last two games, including a double in Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Hibernian.
The 23-year-old’s form has prompted speculation over his future, with Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers credited with an interest in recent days.
Stewart, who signed a three-year deal when he joined County from St Mirren last summer, is remaining focused on leading the line for the Dingwall men.
He said: “A few boys in the changing room were having a bit of banter about it, but I don’t look into that.
“We’re not even really close to January yet, so I’m just focusing on helping the team and getting Ross County back up the table by winning games.
“I was able to do that on Wednesday, and if I’m scoring goals there is always going to be a bit of interest which is very flattering, but I’m solely focused on playing for Ross County and helping us win games.”
Stewart’s career began in junior football with Ayrshire clubs Ardeer Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers, with his move to Albion Rovers in 2016 followed by his first full-time opportunity with St Mirren 12 months later.
Although he is enjoying an impressive maiden top flight campaign, the Irvine-born forward feels he is still learning from the step up, adding: “This is my first crack at the Premiership, so I’m looking forward to every game.
“Even when we’re not winning, it’s a new challenge for me and I’m embracing the challenge.
“I’m chipping in with a few goals as well, which helps my belief and confidence. I’ve just got to use that to keep kicking on.”
Stewart’s second half double secured a vital win for the Staggies, ending a run of nine matches without a victory for Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell’s side.
Stewart hopes the result can be a turning point, adding: “It’s huge. That’s what we were saying in the dressing room, we’ve got to use that to build.
“We always knew there was a great amount of character in the team, and we showed that on Wednesday.
“Hibs were on a great run of form, and to bounce back and get a 2-1 win, it was great for the fans. We owe them that one, it has been a while since we won at home.
“We just knew how big a half of football it was for us after the break. It’s always nice to score, and to get my first double of the season, it was great for me personally. More importantly, we’ve ended the rut we were on, and we’ve got an important three points.”