Ross County under-18s star Calum Brown grateful to Invergordon after North Caledonian League title win provides a surge in confidence for division’s top scorer
Ross County youth player Calum Brown says that winning the North Caledonian League with Invergordon has been a big confidence boost.
That took his tally to 18 in the league, making him the division’s top scorer, and 24 in all competitions.
For the 17-year-old, who has also starred in the Staggies under-18 squad’s runs to the Scottish Youth Cup quarter finals and their League Cup final, it has been a vital step forward in his development.
“It feels very good to win the league,” he said.
“It was a hard battle between us and Halkirk, they beat us early on which put them on the front foot for most of the season, but we kept going to get over the line and win the league.
“Even though it looked like we were behind, with the games in hand we were always pretty comfortable that we would win the league.
“Personally, the confidence that Invergordon has given me is superb. I’m much more confident going into battles on the pitch now, and I’m stronger going up against the opposition. I’m just doing what I love doing.
“It is a nice bonus (to be the league’s top scorer). Hopefully I can still add a few more in the last couple of games we’ve got to set a mark for myself and see how well I’m doing.
“It feels really good, it’s a nice wee achievement to have. I said to myself that I could score 20 goals, and I’ve scored 18 in the league and 24 including the cup games at the moment.
“I doubt I’ll make it to 30, but you never know. There are still a couple of games left.”
Even though the league title has been sewn up, Brown’s season with Invergordon is not over.
There is one final league match to play, and this weekend they go up against Halkirk United in the North Caledonian Cup semi finals.
Beyond that, no conversations have yet taken place between coaches and player about what Brown’s future may hold.
However, he can easily take inspiration from the likes of Dylan Smith, Andrew Macleod and George Robesten who have broken into the Staggies’ first team squad after loan spells this season.
“Obviously I’ve never played in the Premiership, which I’m sure would be a lot different to the North Caley, but being known as a goalscorer is a good thing,” Brown added.
“I’m just going to keep working hard. Hopefully I can get in the squad and get a game for the first team, but even going back out on loan to the Highland League, or League One or Two, would be a great challenge for me.
“Andrew Macleod and George Robesten both went to the Highland League, and Dylan Smith went to League One. They are now in the squad every week, so hopefully I can follow what they did. Who knows where that will bring me?
“I haven’t properly talked to them about their experience on loan, but I know they enjoyed it. Playing men’s football helped them become the players they are now, so I will speak to them and see how challenging they felt it was.”