Ross Stewart’s decade‑long climb from Ayrshire junior sides to the global stage reads like a football fable. After being released by St Mirren, Celtic and Partick Thistle, the 18‑year‑old dropped into the junior ranks with Ardeer Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers, where bruises – including a broken nose against Pollok – forged his resolve. Ten years on, his goals for promotion‑chasing Southampton have earned him a spot in Scotland’s World Cup squad.

Kilwinning demanded £1,500 for the teenage striker, but Albion Rovers could only meet £1,000, prompting Stewart’s father Cameron to cover the shortfall. That modest investment blossomed as he moved on to St Mirren, Ross County, Sunderland and finally Southampton. At Sunderland he sparked a promotion push, earning the nickname “Loch Ness Drogba” from adoring fans.

Despite a spell riddled with injuries since joining Southampton in 2023, Stewart has struck nine times since January, including a decisive goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter‑final and another in the play‑off semi‑final win over Middlesbrough. Those strikes have kept Saints in the promotion race as they prepare for a Championship final against Hull City, while Scotland hope his form translates at the next Qatar 2022.