Ethan Ross has revealed that he was under strict instructions from his Rangers pal, Connor Barron, not to leave Celtic Park with a jersey from one of the Hoops’ players.
But while he may have resisted the temptation to snag a Celtic strip, Ross admits that a friendly rivalry with teammate Alfie Agyeman for a Falkirk shirt will only push him harder as he aims to take home a memento from his former Raith Rovers teammates in their upcoming clash.
Ross played the final 15 minutes of Falkirk’s Premier Sports Cup defeat at Parkhead after Agyeman was selected to start the match.
Falkirk manager John McGlynn acknowledged he is trying to strike a balance between the two players, both of whom are stepping up to compensate for the absence of the sidelined Callumn Morrison.
With key player Ross MacIver also out of action, both Ross and Agyeman could play significant roles as Falkirk attempt to extend their impressive run to six consecutive victories.
When asked if he at least managed to secure a shirt from the Parkhead fixture that he could later auction off, Ross, 23, laughed: “No, no, no, absolutely not. One of my good pals, Connor Barron, has just moved to Rangers, so he told me I wasn’t allowed to get a Celtic jersey!”
Ross went on to praise Barron for his recent performances, adding:
“He is doing brilliant right now. Making that move wasn’t an easy choice for him, but everyone close to him supports him, and you can tell it’s paying off for him.”
Turning his focus to his own situation at Falkirk, Ross expressed frustration at his limited game time last season, but acknowledged the competition for places within the squad.
“It’s competition for places here. I wasn’t happy with how many games I played last season, but you take a step back, look at it and see how well Calvin Miller did and how well Callumn was doing. This season is a bit different with Callumn not being available through illness, so I try to take my chance when I get it.”
Ross, who is eager to make the most of any opportunity that comes his way, added: “I thought I did well in the games I played. The gaffer has given Alfie the nod the past two games, but I am ready to come on and impress. I want to play games. This will be the first time I’ve played Raith. I’m looking forward to it and seeing some familiar faces. But it’s game mode on and I’ll be ready to walk off the pitch with three points.”
A goal or an assist would be a welcome boost for Ross, especially as his brother, Seb, has already found the back of the net twice for Peterhead this season, compared to Ethan’s one goal.
“He’s started well,” Ross said of his brother’s form. “I told him it’s a marathon, not a sprint, so he’s got to keep that up!”
The sibling rivalry adds another layer of motivation, as Ross explained:
“We try to push each other. Every season we say whoever gets the most does whatever at the end of the season. He’s trying to say ‘Pays for a holiday’ at the end of this year, so it’s a big competition between us! After my games, when I get a chance to go on my phone in the changing room, the first score I’m checking is his.”
In a different part of Scottish football, Fankaty Dabo is hoping to reignite his passion for the game after a challenging period both on and off the pitch.
The right-back, who recently joined Raith Rovers on a short-term deal until January, is eager to make a fresh start after enduring a difficult time at his previous clubs.
Dabo, who could make his debut for Raith in their next fixture, is determined to put the past behind him, particularly after being subjected to racial abuse following his missed penalty for Coventry City in their Championship play-off final defeat to Luton Town.
Speaking candidly, the 28-year-old described how that moment, combined with harsh criticism from his former boss at Forest Green Rovers, Troy Deeney, had taken a toll on his mental health.
Reflecting on those tough times, Dabo said: “I know the club as I have a few Scottish friends, but the manager called me and sold me a project and I was like, ‘yeah’. I want to get back to enjoying my football and enjoying the people I’m playing with. I almost lost my love for football, but I’m perked back up here and it’s good.”
Dabo’s move to Kirkcaldy represents a chance for him to rediscover his form and happiness in the game. He added: “I’ve learned there is always another day and another game. You still have teammates and managers who rely on you, and you have food to put on the table.”
Despite only joining Raith recently, Dabo is optimistic about the team’s prospects under manager Neill Collins. He is confident that they can start climbing the table, saying:
“We have to produce a performance and make sure we start the climb and get back to where we need to be. Hopefully I can put in some big performances.”