Former Kilwinning Rangers and Ardeer Thistle striker Ross Stewart helped Ross County make a winning return to the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.
The 23-year-old scored his first ever senior top-flight goal and set up another as the Staggies cruised to an opening day 3-0 win against Hamilton Accies.
County were already one goal to the good when Stewart robbed Johnny Hunt in 36 minutes and strode away on the right before his low, driven cross found Billy Mckay sliding in to score at the far post.
He then turned scorer 12 minutes into the second half, bulleting a header home from five yards thanks to Josh Mullin’s perfect free-kick delivery.
Just six years ago, Stewart was touting himself around teams in the lowest regions of the Junior game before Ardeer Thistle offered him a chance to kickstart his career.
He won a move to Kilwinning where he spent just one season before Albion Rovers gave him his first crack at senior football.
He went on to sign for St Mirren and was later loaned out to Alloa Athletic before returning to Paisley at the start of last season.
Stewart featured in the Buddies' opening game in the top flight, a sell-out 2-1 home win against Dundee, but just days later dropped down a division to sign for County.
It proved to be a wise decision as he notched 32 appearances in all competitions for the Dingwall outfit, netting 11 times along the way, as they clinched the Championship title.
