Sport / ‘Very proud’ moment as isles footballer makes debut in Scottish Premiership
IT IS quite the rise – from playing football for Scalloway to turning out in the Scottish Premiership in just the space of two years.
But that is just what George Robesten has done after coming on as a late substitute for Ross County against Dundee United in Scotland’s top league on Saturday.
The 18-year-old moved to Shetland when he was around ten years old, but headed south to sign a full-time apprenticeship with the Highland team in 2022.
Speaking to Shetland News, he said getting on the pitch at the weekend was a “bit of a shock to the system” – but added it was a proud and happy moment.
It was particularly sweet moment for the teenager given that he has suffered a run of injuries since signing for County.
“It’s been quite a long road for me,” he said. “I’ve had multiple injuries with my meniscus, injuring my knee and my hamstring twice.
“All the work that I’ve put in after that to be stronger coming back has finally be shown to the gaffer and to the owners.”
Robesten played with TSB – Trondra, Scalloway and Burra – as well as Scalloway’s men’s team before catching the eye at a Ross County training event held in Shetland.
In 2022, when he was 16, Robesten was among a batch of youngsters who signed up with Ross County on apprenticeships.
After signing he had loan spells with Nairn County and Clachnacuddin.
The teenager’s cameo in Ross County’s 1-1 draw with Dundee Utd in Dingwall was his first competitive appearance for the Highland club.
He said in the moment it was about putting the “game face” on – but “as soon I was in my bed that night, I was thinking to myself, wow, I actually did it”.
“It’s a bit of self-reflection,” the footballer added. “And now it’s fuelled me to want me to keep going, to keep pushing, to try to solidify my place in the squad for the rest of the season.”
Next up for Ross County is an away trip to Spartans FC in the league cup on Saturday, in which Robesten hopes to land more game time in.
Also in the schedule for the Highland team is a trip to Glasgow to face Old Firm giants Rangers on 24 August.
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