Jack’s just itching to go

Jun 29 2009 by Andrew Newport, Paisley Daily Express

WORKAHOLIC St Mirren star Jack Ross last night revealed he’s got an itch that just won’t be scratched until the new SPL season is in full flow.

Ross has spent much of the summer sunning himself on a beach after a long, hard season that saw the Buddies only just cling on to their top-flight status as they edged out relegation rivals Inverness by a solitary goal.

And, while the break was a welcome one, the full-back admits that wiping sweat from his brow on a sun lounger is no substitute for the toil he and his team-mates can expect when they report back for pre-season training in a week’s time.

The mere thought of a torturous pre-season regime is enough to have a river of cold perspiration running down the backs of most players – but not hard-working Ross.

He told Express Sports: “I’m looking forward to pre-season getting started. I’ve had a nice break but, while it was good to get some rest, I’m itching to get back to playing.

“We are very fortunate as footballers to have a job that we all love – I know I certainly do – and I have missed coming into training and seeing the boys every day.”

St Mirren will kick off the new season on Sunday, August 2, when they face Third Division outfit East Stirlingshire in the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

Their SPL campaign begins on Saturday, August 15, with a trip to face Hibernian and there are a number of pre-season fixtures against the likes of East Fife, Ayr United, Dumbarton and Morton to take care of before then.

Saints are also likely to face continental opposition after they jet out to Italy for a training camp on Monday, July 20.

But Ross admits the fixture that really captures his imagination is that opening SPL clash against Hibs at Easter Road.

The fact that it will see him line up against a side managed by his former Falkirk boss John Hughes has served to whet his appetite further.

“It’s a great fixture to start with,” said ex-Bairn Ross. “We were lucky enough last year to start at Celtic Park, where there was a huge crowd and all the excitement that surrounds a match of that type.

“We wanted to start this season with another big game and I think we’ve got that.

“I know I’ve always enjoyed playing at Easter Road. It will be a little bit extra special too with John Hughes taking over there, so I’m looking forward to it already.”