The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Fox backs Munro for the top
County stopper thrilled with youngster’s Scotland under-21 recognition
Ross Munro’s maiden call-up to the Scotland under-21 squad had his Ross County teammate Scott Fox feeling like a proud father.
Munro was called up for the European Championship qualifiers against Ukraine and England and fellow goalkeeper Fox, himself a former Scotland squad member, feels the sky is the limit for the teenager.
Impressive performances in the Irn-Bru Cup drew Munro to the attention of under-21 national boss Scot Gemmill, who drafted him in when Hamilton Accies’ Ryan Fulton pulled out.
Fox works closely with the 18-year-old, who was promoted by managerial duo Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell in the summer to provide competition for the number one spot.
Fox said: “The boys were caning me, saying I was like a proud father. But it’s brilliant for him. I rate him very highly and when you see him getting Scotland recognition, it’s good for him and the club as well.
“We room together sometimes when we’re away and I train with him every day. He’s done well in the games he’s played and proved a point. Hopefully he continues to do that.
“When I spoke with the gaffers in the summer and said about Ross coming in, that was my general thought. The way he’s developed over the last six to 12 months is exceptional and if he continues to do that, it’ll not be long before he’s overtaking me.”
Fox himself has not been overly busy of late, with County blowing away Morton 5-0 in Dingwall at the weekend and the exPartick Thistle man barely called into action.
Tonight’s game against Falkirk has all the makings of an away win, given the two sides occupy different ends of the table, but Fox wants County to remain focused on creating as big a gap as possible at the top of the Championship.
He said: “We know how hard this league is and if we can get a big gap, it stands us in good stead. After the game, we’ll look at the table and go from there. If you’re going to give us a gap, we’re going to take it.
“On Saturday we showed our ruthless side and scored five goals. We’re going the right way about our business, keeping clean sheets and scoring goals.
“I knew it was going to be hard but we’ve done really well. We’ve played difficult games – the second half at Ayr was very difficult. Dundee United are building a bit of momentum now.
“The two gaffers are telling us to keep going and the intensity of training hasn’t gone down any.
“We need to look after ourselves and go about business the way we have been. On Saturday we showed our ruthless side and scored five goals. We’re going the right way about our business, keeping clean sheets and scoring goals, but we know it’s going to be a long season.”
County have won their last five games and are a point clear of Ayr United at the top of the table.
They are seven points ahead of rivals Caley Thistle in fifth, with the second Highland derby of the season on Saturday.