Ross County forward Ross Stewart reckons he is fortunate to have avoided a more serious injury from the challenge that resulted in a red card for St Mirren’s Joe Shaughnessy on Saturday.
Former Aberdeen player Shaughnessy was shown a straight red card by referee Mike Roncone, following a high tackle on Stewart midway through the second half. Saints had led through Jon Obika’s first half goal at that stage, however, the Staggies secured a 1-1 draw courtesy of Nathan Sheron’s own goal.
Although Stewart required treatment, he counted himself lucky not to have suffered greater damage.
Stewart said: “It’s sore, starting to stiffen up. But I got through the game and I’ll go in and get it assessed by the physio on Monday and hopefully it’s okay.
“It was a loose ball in the middle of the park and I’ve tried to nick it.
“A few boys are saying he’s won the ball, but if he has I think he’s followed through because he’s certainly caught me.
“The referee made a decision to play on, but I have seen the incident back and the boy can’t have too many complaints.
“He has caught me just above the knee and when you are catching players that high up – and my leg was planted – I count myself a bit fortunate.
“Thankfully I’m fine and finished the rest of the game. I’ll just move on.”
Stewart was pleased to salvage something from the match, but the 24-year-old rued not making more of playing against 10 men for the final 28 minutes.
Stewart said: “The first half wasn’t good enough. The manager made that clear at half-time. He wanted a reaction and he got it. They never really got out of their half in the second half.
“We got the goal back and then we probably looked to do a bit more to get the winner.
“The feeling after the game was certainly that it was a bit of a missed opportunity.
“But away from home in this league every point is a decent result.”
Stewart is hopeful he will add to his tally, having seen headers denied by the crossbar and an outstanding Richard Tait clearance against the Buddies.
He added: “I was scratching my head as to how he managed to do that. It’s one of the best clearances I have ever seen.
“All credit to him – I thought I’d done everything right to flick it on and it was going in the far corner.
“The one in the first half I have done everything right, but it’s clipped the bar. I keep getting the chances, so I’m confident the goals will come hopefully.”