Max Ross hopes he can follow in the footsteps of former Motherwell loanees who have gone on to have successful careers after maiden loan spells at Cliftonhill kickstarted their careers.
The 18-year-old joined Sandy Clark’s side on an initial deal until the January transfer window last month, and he has already earned his first start – playing the 90 minutes during Rovers’ 2-1 Park’s Motor Group Lowland League win over Civil Service Strollers last time out.
And the versatile defender will be looking to keep his place in the starting line-up for Saturday’s trip to Cumbernauld Colts.
“I really enjoyed it, I played a wee bit out of position but it was a different experience for me and I thought I played well,” Ross said of his first start.
“It wasn’t what I was used to but I did my best for the team and I feel like I learned so much already.
“The three points were important for the team to get back on track and we’ll need to be at our best this weekend to make it two wins in a row.
“We’re all looking forward to the game. Colts will be right up for it but we are going into it confident that we can get the three points.”
Ross is the latest Fir Park prospect to join Rovers on loan, with both teams having fostered a strong relationship over the years.
Two-time Scotland cap Chris Cadden gained vital experience at Cliftonhill back in 2015, helping the club lift the League Two title before going on to star with Motherwell, Columbus Crew in the MLS and latterly Hibs.
And more recently, Ewan Wilson – who has broken into Stuart Kettlewell’s first team this season and helped the ‘Well to fourth spot in the Premiership – impressed on loan two seasons ago during Rovers’ last League Two campaign.
“I just want to play as many games as possible before I go back to Motherwell,” Ross said.
“You need to be playing football at my age and this was a great move for me to be able to do that at a great club.
“I know that coming here has worked out really well for players in the past. You look at the amount of younger players who have gone on to big things.
“Obviously, I know Ewan (Wilson) and you can see that is he flying now with Motherwell. His first loan spell was here.
“Chris Cadden went to Albion Rovers too and he has had a great career. These guys are good to look up to.”
