One to Watch – Ross Wallace

Preston North End winger Ross Wallace has been singled out by Vital QPR as the One to Watch in W12 this Saturday.

Name: Ross Wallace

Date of Birth: 23-05-1985 (Dundee)

Former Clubs: Celtic, Sunderland

Appearances (Goals): 134 (15)

Ross started his career at Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic, and he made his debut for the hoops back in October 2002 in their 4-2 Scottish League Cup victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The Dundee born player was first deployed as a full back under Gordon Strachan, coming through the ranks and scoring his first Scottish Premier League goal in the crushing 5-0 win over Dunfermline in 2003.

The following season and Wallace`s reputation soared as he bagged a hatrick in Celtic`s Scottish League Cup demolition of Falkirk in 2004. The 5″6 left sided player was employed in an attacking capacity, and three goals epitomised the potential that the young Scotsman held.

In 2005/06, Wallace lost his place at full back to Mark Wilson and was forced to sit out the majority of the season on the bench. However he did get to play in the Scottish League Cup final owing to Wilson being cup tied.

After a lack of first team opportunities at Parkhead, Wallace made the switch south of the border to Sunderland. Both he and Stanislav Varga turned to the Stadium of Light in search of regular first team opportunities.

He got off to a flying start as he hit the Black Cats` winner away to Derby County just after the hour mark to restore the faith manager Roy Keane had showed him.

Suspensions stifled his progress momentarily as he was given his marching orders against Ipswich Town and Hull City respectively. Four further goals that season saw Sunderland to the Premier League in a miraculous first season in management for Roy Keane.

Opportunities became limited in the first team set up at the Stadium of Light as they were promoted to the top flight. Goals against Reading and Arsenal were a couple of few high points for Ross in a difficult season.

This has seen him move out on loan to Preston North End, where he has impressed immensely and was subsequently snapped up on a four-and-a-half year deal.

Ross has scored two goals without reply in home victories against Watford and Bristol City respectively, giving a torrid time to numerous full backs as he continues to rediscover his natural left wing berth.

The wide-man also picked up his first Scotland cap as Scotland travelled to Japan during the recent international break.




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