Blueprint for bright future

Dodds: Boyce and Irvine are perfect examples for wanted man Stewart

Ross Stewart can look to Jackson Irvine and Liam Boyce as examples of how Ross County can further his career.

That is the view of former Staggies assistant Billy Dodds, who worked with Boyce and Irvine during his stint as Jim McIntyre’s number two.

Stewart has been the subject of some interest north and south of the border, with Hibernian the latest club being linked with his services. Blackburn Rovers and Stoke have also been touted as potential destinations for the former St Mirren striker.

County manager Stuart Kettlewell has reiterated his desire to keep Stewart at the club, with the hope of starting contract discussions in the near future.

Irvine and Boyce both left for Burton Albion, in 2016 and 2017 respectively, before a prolific season with the Brewers earned Irvine a move to Hull City. He captained Hull before leaving the club at the end of last month.

Dodds hopes Stewart takes Hibernian’s interest with confidence and continues to show what platform County can give him.

He said: “With Hibs, it’s a bigger club and no disrespect to Ross County, a bigger club wants me. I would be getting confidence through that, with teams looking at me, I must be doing my job well. ‘Things are going well and I’m progressing my career, so I’m happy with how things are.’

“That’s what County do (progress careers). Look at Liam Boyce, Jackson Irvine.

There’s two examples where you go and progress your careers. County are brilliant for it and that’s what they’re there for. Once you’re doing well, teams will take notice.”

Dodds also pointed to the comparative situation of Sam Cosgrove at Aberdeen. Cosgrove was the subject of a bid from French Ligue 2 side Guingamp, which was accepted by the Dons but turned down by the player.

He added: “It’s nothing but positive. People have raised the question about how they’re going to feel now. It’s a bit different for (Ross) Stewart because County are trying to hang on to him.

“It’s not surprising that teams have shown an interest in the two of them. I know Hibs were in for Stewart but they’ve got (Kevin) Nisbet now, so that might fall by the wayside.”

Stewart has scored 22 goals in 58 games for County, since signing from the Buddies in 2018.

He was joint leading scorer for the club in the Scottish Premiership last season with seven, alongside strike partner Billy Mckay.