Teenage winger impresses in his debut match against Hibernian, setting up a crucial penalty.

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In a thrilling encounter against Hibernian, 19-year-old winger George Robesten made his first start for Ross County, showcasing his potential and determination on the pitch. The young talent, who had recently returned from a loan spell at Brora Rangers, was thrust into the starting lineup by manager Don Cowie, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
From youth player to senior debut
Born in Eastbourne, East Sussex, Robesten’s journey to professional football has been anything but conventional. After moving to Shetland during his childhood, he caught the attention of Ross County’s scouts as a youth player.
His hard work paid off when he was offered a senior contract in 2022. However, prior to his debut, Robesten had only made two substitute appearances earlier in the season, making this match a pivotal moment in his career.
Overcoming nerves and rising to the occasion
Robesten revealed that he learned about his starting position just moments before the game, a revelation that initially left him feeling anxious. “For five or 10 minutes my legs were jelly, completely, I couldn’t feel them,” he admitted. However, as the match progressed, he found his rhythm and contributed significantly, including setting up a penalty that led to Ronan Hale’s late equalizer, securing a 1-1 draw against Hibernian.
Adjusting to the demands of Premiership football
Transitioning from the Highland League to the Premiership is no small feat, and Robesten is acutely aware of the challenges ahead. “The tempo is completely different,” he noted, reflecting on the pace of play in the top tier. Despite the physical demands, he expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “Knowing my ability, I know I can do it.” His commitment to maintaining fitness during his time away from regular play has prepared him for this step up.
A supportive mentor in Don Cowie
Robesten’s journey has been closely guided by manager Don Cowie, who has been instrumental in his development. Cowie, who has a history with the club as a former player and assistant manager, has instilled confidence in Robesten and other young talents like Andrew Macleod and Dylan Smith. “The manager is amazing – I couldn’t ask for anyone better at the moment,” Robesten praised, highlighting Cowie’s understanding of the pressures young players face.
Looking ahead: Building on a strong foundation
With his debut now behind him, Robesten is eager to build on this experience. He recognizes the importance of this stepping stone in his career and is determined to continue improving. “Just knowing that I have actually done it and have that stepping stone I can now hopefully build on it and get better,” he said, reflecting on his aspirations. As he continues to develop under Cowie’s guidance, fans of Ross County will be watching closely to see how this promising young player evolves in the coming matches.