Rangers forward, Jane Ross, is relishing the prospect of getting back out onto the pitch with her team-mates with the Gers claiming top spot in the SWPL.
Ross, who has had a small spell out injured, is delighted with the start of the season for Jo Potter’s side and discusses what has helped her stay focused in her time out the team.
“It’s been a really good start to the season. The Champions League experience was good for the team too. It’s not been the best for me recently, in terms of injuries, but I have managed to stay occupied with my studies whilst going through rehab – it always helps having something to focus on that’s not football!”
Ross was part of the Rangers side that won their first ever SWPL title in 2022, before a serious knee injury ruled her out for 17 months. The striker returned to action in the second half of last season and is pleased with her progress, as well as the continual development of the league itself.
“The league has grown massively which is great to see. It’s going from strength to strength. The support from PFA Scotland has been great too. I think it’s important that there is an independent body that looks out for our interests.”
Ross is one of many female footballers that have suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in recent years, with increased investment into research worldwide, Jane hopes that more information around the injury will become readily available for players in Scotland.
“It’s an issue we all have an interest in. It’s an injury that is unfortunately happening far too frequently in the women’s game, so if we can get a better understanding of why it’s happening and why it’s happening so often, will be really important.”
Ross, who is club representative for the squad at Rangers, underlines why it has been crucial for her to seek out personal development opportunities both through PFA Scotland and during her time in the WSL.
“I am someone who likes to grow and learn. I like to put my mind to something off-the-pitch and that helps me perform on the pitch also. I like to challenge myself and I have certainly managed to do that. I am aware that there will become a time where I need to think about a career after football, so the more I can do to prepare myself for that now, the better.”
Ross completed the Applied Management in Football degree with Edinburgh Napier University in the last year and is also undergoing her B licence through the Scottish FA’s coaching pathway. The Scotland international believes that it’s never too early to think about what’s next.
“All the courses I’ve done have been interesting in their own ways. I am currently doing the masseuse course through the union and last year I done the barista course too. It’s not just about staying in the game, I find it all very exciting.”
The forward is the fourth most capped player ever for SWNT and doesn’t shy away from the fact that she will be aiming to add to that at some point during the season.
“My goal at this point in time is to get back on the pitch with Rangers and if a call-up comes off the back of that, then that would be brilliant. For the time being, however, its about getting back out there to help the team.”
There is no doubt that a fit and firing Jane Ross will be an asset to free-scoring Rangers, who remain unbeaten in domestic action so far this season.
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