Ross and County have turned out to be a perfect fit

Ross Callachan feels truly wanted for the first time in his career, writes JIM BLACK.

After a decade as a football nomad, the 29-year-old is settled at Ross County, where his career has blossomed under Malky Mackay.

Now in his second season of a three-year deal, Callachan

(inset) – who began at Raith Rovers and had a season with Hearts – has emerged as a key player.

But there was a time when he worried that his hopes of a top-level career had gone.

The midfielder was just a few weeks into a loan spell with Dundee in 2020 when he suffered a broken leg, just as the country went into Covid lockdown. And when parent club, St Johnstone, decided not to extend his contract, Callachan was left facing a future without football.

He said: “I thought that might be it, and I was looking at jobs as a delivery driver as clubs were struggling because of the pandemic.

“There weren’t many offers on the table, and lots of players were in the same boat.

“But Brian Rice took me to Hamilton, where I got fit and had the best season of my life. I loved working with him.

“We got relegated, but I wanted to play at the highest level I could. I needed to find a club to settle down at. I’d

reached the stage where I didn’t want to be staying for a year, then moving on.”

“Ross County has been a really good fit for me. They showed they really wanted me.

“Football-wise, it’s been brilliant. I’d say the manger is the best I’ve worked with. The way he deals with players, and makes you believe in what we’re doing, is different class.

“He’s brought a real culture to the club, and everyone has bought into it. I think we will only get stronger.

“We didn’t start the season well. But it was the same last year, and we put a run of games together. So we’re aiming for the top six again.

“There’s a lot of potential. Our squad is a lot stronger this season and the manager has got greater strength in depth.”

Callachan, who suffered a hamstring injury in October, has used the break to build his fitness and be ready for the Staggies’ return to action.