As breakthrough seasons go, Tom Grivosti’s treble-winning feat with Ross County will take some toppling.
Englishman Grivosti’s trophy haul began in October when he was part of County’s reserve side which defeated Caley Thistle 3-2 to win the North of Scotland Cup at Grant Street Park.
His impressive displays for Richie Brittain’s men accelerated his move into the first team, with his debut coming as a substitute against Ayr United later that month.
The 19-year-old played a prominent role in the Staggies’ Irn-Bru Cup run, which culminated in their final victory over Connah’s Quay Nomads in March, with Grivosti topping off his campaign in style by playing in Friday’s 4-0 victory over Queen of the South which clinched the Championship title.
Having made 19 first-team appearances, Grivosti admits it has been a debut campaign beyond his wildest dreams.
He said: “It’s a bit like Liverpool in 2001 – a dodgy treble – but I will take it.
“The reserves did well this year, they were challenging up at the top of the league and we won the North of Scotland earlier on in the season.
“That went through to the first team where we were challenging on all fronts.
“My first start was in the Irn-Bru Cup, which allowed me to get a few games under my belt and prove to the managers what I could do.
“It was definitely a big competition for me, and to win the league means everything.
“It’s what I have worked towards, to get into the first team and to have the success we have had this season – it couldn’t have gone any better.”
Grivosti is relishing the prospect of becoming a Premiership player, with his dreams of playing at the biggest grounds in the country soon to become a reality.
Liverpool-born Grivosti, who began his career with Bolton Wanderers as a youth player before joining County upon his release by the Trotters in 2017, added: “Obviously you want to concentrate on getting the job done, you don’t want to get ahead of yourself.
“Now that we have got the job done, I can start to think about playing at Celtic Park and Ibrox.
“You want to test yourself against the best players. It will be a tough challenge, but it’s one we are definitely looking forward to.”
Grivosti was brought to County by current Staggies co-manager Stuart Kettlewell when he was in charge of the reserves. However, his first season was interrupted by an ankle injury which necessitated an operation last summer.
Grivosti has grown in confidence with every passing week in the first team, making him optimistic he can hit the ground running in the top flight next season.
He added: “Fitness has been the main thing.
“I was injured for the majority of last season, but this season I have been able to get fit and playing again.
“Once I did that I’ve started to show everyone what I can do.
“I think in every game I’m getting better and better, so long may it continue.
“I was with the first team in pre-season this year, so I know what to expect this summer.”
