Stewart's remarkable rise from Scottish juniors to World Cup

Ross Stewart reignited his love of football after setbacks in professional youth systems, turning to Scottish junior semi-professional clubs. After unsuccessful years with St Mirren, Celtic, and Partick Thistle, he played for Ardeer Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers, finding an adult environment where he was treated as a man rather than a youth player. The junior game proved competitive and unforgiving, with players ranging from teens to former internationals. Stewart credits the camaraderie, banter, and the chance to score goals for helping him work his way back toward senior football. He recalls breaking his nose during a match against Pollok, showing the physical and relentless nature of the level.

"When I went and played juniors, being in an adult environment, I really took to it and fell back in love with football, the camaraderie and the banter. You're not treated like a youth player, you're treated like an adult. I was playing well and scoring goals and just worked my way up the junior leagues, then got my chance to go back to the senior set-up."

"The 'juniors' is something of a misnomer. It is semi-professional football - with its own governing body separate from the Scottish FA - where players can range from promising teens to former internationals in their 40s. The fiercely competitive and unforgiving environment is no place for shrinking violets, as Stewart can attest. He still has the scars to prove it."

"The one I always think back to is when we played Pollok, who have a big junior ground. I broke my nose that day. I can just remember being sparked out and getting called all the names under the sun. There's no remorse for any type of injury at that level -"

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