Rovers goalie has a pint-sized dream
ALBION ROVERS goalkeeper Ross Stewart laughs as reveals his extra incentive to shine against Celtic this afternoon.
Help his side sink the Hoops’ Treble bid at Airdrie’s Excelsior Stadium, and he has been promised he will never have to buy his own drink in Larkhall ever again!
The South Lanarkshire town is renowned as being a stronghold of Rangers support. The local Subway sandwich shop even has a black sign instead of the chain’s usual green!
It indicates the strength of the rivalry between the two Glasgow clubs, which more than extends to delighting in any high-profile misfortunes the other side may suffer.
“Listen, Celtic are a terrific team with some tremendous individual talent – their subs would be in the starting lineup at any other club,” said Stewart, not to be confused with, ahem, Rovers striker Ross Stewart.
“Things have really clicked for them this season under Brendan Rodgers.
“Domestically they have been sweeping all before them. We are in the middle of January and they are not only in the hunt for the Treble, but still unbeaten in all domestic competition (24 games).
“That’s remarkable form, right up there with some of the best runs the country has seen.
“There has been plenty of chat about them staying unbeaten all season, domestically. Every opposition side now wants to go down in the history books as the team that stopped it happening.
“We are no different and, in my case, I do have a bit extra riding on it.
“Coming from Larkhall, as I think everyone knows, a lot of the people who live round here tend to support the other side.
“My friends are no different and I have been assured if we win this tie, I will never have to buy a drink in the town again for as long as I live!
“And, as much as I have to look after myself, that would be quite a bonus.”
As a part-time player, Stewart splits his time between playing and training with Rovers and working as a delivery driver.
It wasn’t always that way. The 21-yearold went part-time to join the club from Motherwell and hopes one day to return to the top flight, with this afternoon’s tie providing an obvious chance to impress.
“This is exactly the kind of game which can give me a platform to showcase my ability,” he said. “It will be watched by managers and coaches from all over – especially if we can run Celtic close.
“I have plenty of faith in my own ability. I have played for Scotland at youth level with the Under-17s, Under-18s and Under-19s.
“I once got a call-up to join the 21s squad which was good fun.
“I remember we were out at the Westerwood Hotel, near Glasgow. I was sitting by the swimming pool with Sam Nicholson, John McGinn, Jason Cummings and Lawrence Shankland when a guy came over and asked us who we played for.
“We replied Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and errr . . . Albion Rovers, which got a laugh. But I was the one he talked to because he knew a Rovers fan!.”
If he can shut out the Hoops today to help Rovers to a famous win and the keeper should never again have reason to be bashful.