Square eyes helped Harmon get back in the swing for Staggies
George Harmon could easily have stuck with Squid Game and Stranger Things after injury left him idle in the Highlands.
Netflix shows helped while away the hours, and it was tempting to shut football out of his thoughts completely.
Instead, Ross County’s West Brom youth academy graduate chose to mix the fantasy horror shows with some fantasy football.
Rather than waste his downtime, the 21-yearold made it an educational seven weeks on the sidelines by studying the great performances of fellow leftbacks, like Liverpool and Scotland’s Andy Robertson.
Harmon is now hoping to enjoy the fruits of those endeavours as he reboots his County career after recovering from September’s untimely hamstring tear.
The full-back, who arrived from English sixth-tier side, Oxford City, in the summer, returned with a strong 75-minute performance in last weekend’s narrow defeat at Kilmarnock.
He said: “It feels really good to be back. I came up to Scotland to play as much football as I could and, thankfully, I’m back playing again.
“Although we didn’t get the three points, personally it was good to be on the pitch.
“I got injured just as I was establishing myself in the team, and was grateful to the gaffer for playing me against Rangers and Celtic.
“My family has been really supportive, coming up to visit, and I went out for coffees with the lads, little bits and bobs.
“But there’s not a lot you can do when you’re injured. It is Netflix, Amazon and football matches on TV.
“Even when I’m not able to play, however, I can still learn the game. Nobody is the finished article, even at the highest level.
“I feel like I can learn every time I watch a football match.
“I was watching whatever was on TV, and studying players in my position.
“You obviously have Andy Robertson at Liverpool, probably one of the best leftbacks in the world.
“I’m not saying I compare myself to him, but trying to replicate what he does might get me that extra 1%.”
Harmon was also able to study the Staggies from the sidelines, not always an enjoyable experience this season.
His new club sit joint bottom of the Premiership, albeit with plenty of signs of potential to climb the table.
Harmon said: “By having watched every game while I was out, I understand better what the gaffer wants, and what my team-mates want.
“You’re passionate on the sidelines, and it’s frustrating not being able to contribute.
“But I’m not critical of my team-mates as it always seems easier from the side of the pitch.”
Harmon credits his bright start in Scottish football before injury to his calculated decision to leave West Brom’s comfort zone, and embrace “men’s football” at semi-pro Oxford City for a season.
“Coming to County has been a great experience compared to where I was last season, playing non-league with Oxford City. It’s two worlds apart, completely different.
“However, it helped me get used to men’s football and Scottish football. Hopefully now I can kick on again.”