Ross County’s Ben Crompton reveals why he’s putting in extra work in a bid to secure one main position

Ben Crompton is putting in extra work to help nail a midfield berth at Ross County – but knows being versatile also boosts his playing chances.

The summer signing from Sunderland, who turns 22 this month, has made 13 appearances for the Championship Staggies, who face a bottom-two crunch clash at home to Airdrieonians on Saturday.

He has been used as a right-back, but in recent games has also been given the nod to play more centrally depending on the opponents and system used.

Crompton returned to a defensive role in Saturday’s 2-0 Scottish Cup victory at Banks o’ Dee, but he admits he’d rather play in the middle.

Wants to be at the heart of the action

He revealed he’s been working with assistant manager Callum Davidson on how to be the best he can be in his preferred position.

He said: “I grew up as a midfielder. All my youth and academy football was playing in midfield.

“I had a few seasons at centre-half then at right-back.

“I have been trusted here to go into midfield and it’s an opportunity I’ve loved.

“I’ve been working hard to try and learn about the role and improve there.

“I’ve been doing a lot of work off the pitch with Callum on my positioning and how I can improve in midfield.

“Moving forward, that’s the position I want to play in and help the team. That’s where I can do my best stuff and help the team.

“I want to be on the ball and be involved in the game.

“Now I’ve had a few years playing at the back, it has helped my defensive side of the game.

“I like to think I can now help with both sides.

“The manager and Callum (Davidson, assistant boss) have trusted me and put me in there. I appreciate that.

“I want to repay that with good performances and by working hard every day in training, and I want to try and get better and to learn about the role and how they want me to play.”

Versatility boosting playing chances

Crompton hopes his performances show a maturity beyond his age and accepts being able to pitch in where required in any given game is an asset he can offer the team.

He said: “It’s massive to be versatile and be able to play in different positions.

“I don’t want to be seen as a young lad. I want to be a senior lad, playing all the games.

“However, I am still one of the younger boys in this squad. Being able to play in different positions gives you more chance of being out there.

“The main thing for me is being on the pitch and getting as many minutes as possible, getting my appearances up, and helping the team.

“It’s good that I can play in different positions.”

‘It’s on us to deliver’

Ninth-placed County are just one point ahead of Airdrie, so the pressure is on the inconsistent hosts to ensure they not only don’t drop to bottom spot but widen the gap over the Diamonds.

Crompton believes the time for talking to stop and action to start is now.

He added: “Everyone knows the position we’re in at the minute.

“The players and staff are so hungry to put it right and start gaining some momentum.
“Hopefully we can do that now.

“It is difficult. We know, the staff know, the fans know, and it’s on us now to deliver.”

[Source: Press and Journal]