Jack's the lad for a double!

Jun 2 2009 by Paul Behan, Paisley Daily Express

HAPPY Jack Ross admitted his performances on the park for St Mirren have reflected how comfortable he feels off it.

Ross picked up a double during the club’s annual Premier Dinner by winning the club Player of the Year trophy and Official Website Player of the Year gong.

And the 32-year-old former Falkirk star reckons the secret of his success lies squarely with the fact that he’s settling well into life with the Buddies.

He said: “There is no doubt that my performances have reflected how comfortable I feel off the park because I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first season at St Mirren and things have gone very well.

“And to win the Player of the Year and Website Player of the Year awards is great recognition from a personal point of view because the right-back area is a part of the pitch that doesn’t get a lot of attention when prizes are being handed out.”

Ross, though, was quick to praise his fellow Saints who he feels are worthy of note for their performances over the last nine months.

He said: “Although I’m delighted to pick up two awards I believe there are other players in the team who’ve made some great contributions to the cause.

“There’s people like Andy Dorman for one, Hugh Murray in midfield, Billy Mehmet and John Potter.

“And when you take into account that I beat those guys to these awards, it is very pleasing.”

Ross admits, though, that his performances did tail off towards the end of the campaign.

But he puts it down to his gas tank being empty!

He explained: “I probably lost some form towards the end but at the end of the day, I’m 32 and maybe the petrol light was flashing because it’s been a long, hard season.”

Ross was also recognised at International level and was called up to the Scotland B squad for a friendly match with Northern Ireland at Falkirk Stadium, a game the Scots won 3-0.

Said Ross: “I’ll always be grateful for winning a B cap and the fact that I was playing for St Mirren at the time gave me tremendous satisfaction.

“It’s been a great end to the season but admittedly, it has been tinged with disappointment because I wasn’t able to help St Mirren get to a higher-placed finish in the league.”

He added: “Hopefully it’s something we can rectify next season.”