Paton looking to take chance at Ross County
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HARRY PATON is determined to finally seize his chance of Premiership football – after going agonisingly close at Tynecastle.
The former Fulham and Hearts youngster moved to the brink of first team recognition in his time under Robbie Neilson, Ian Cathro and Craig Levein.
But by the time the Canadian youth international left Gorgie for Dingwall in July last year, he could count only unused substitute appearances at Hearts.
Ross County in the Championship last season proved tricky, too, with just three starts – and one goal – before embarking on a second career stint on loan at Stenhousemuir.
Now, though, the top-flight beckons again – and Paton is eager to grasp the opportunity.
The 21-year-old said: “That’s the best thing about this season, moving up to the top-flight and trying to prove you can play there.
“I definitely think I’m capable and the boys are capable – and I think we’ll do well this season.
“There are a lot of players in the squad who have already played a good number of matches in the top league and plenty others who are capable.
“I was in and around it at Hearts and on the bench for a few games, but never quite got the chance to make my debut.
“It was frustrating, but it was a very big squad they had.
“This is my next chance to make my mark in the top division and see how I go from there. I’m excited by it.
“I’ve been working really hard in training lately and, in games, I feel I’m showing everybody what I’ve got.
“It was good to get the 90 minutes against Brechin on Tuesday and I really enjoyed it.
“Everybody’s wanting a spot in the team for that first home league match against Hamilton and I’m going to give everything I can to get in or around it.
“I just need to keep working hard and showing the management what I can do.”
Paton is well aware of the high levels of competition within the County squad, with the form of fellow midfielders last season squeezing out his chances of regular action.
But he enjoys a close relationship with co-managers Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell and has every belief he can make the breakthrough.
Paton said: “It was a wee bit frustrating last year up to September because you want to play every week.
“But the boys did extremely well in winning the league so you can’t really say anything.
“Hopefully this year I can push a bit more and get some more minutes.
“It is a fresh start. I’ve worked with the gaffers all last season and they’ve worked me on things I can improve.
“I’ve definitely taken that on board over the summer and really focused on this pre-season. Hopefully that will bring rewards.
“They’re always there to help, always answering my questions. When I train, they always give me wee pointers to look at.
“I enjoy the feedback from them and I always listen closely to what they have to say.
“The players also support each other – it’s a great group of boys we have.
“There are a lot of experienced players like Iain Vigurs and Don Cowie who are always there to point me in the right direction.
“It’s good to have that experience behind you and it makes things a bit easier.”
