Aberdeen midfielder Sebastian Ross has this afternoon completed his paperwork to join Stenhousemuir on a temporary loan. Seb will meet up with the Scottish League One side this weekend and the 18 year old will spend the full season at Ochilview. Last season the midfielder made 28 appearances for the U20s, scoring a very impressive 12 goals and was named the U20 Player of the Year.

Coach Paul Sheerin commented:

“It is the perfect time for Seb now to get out to gain some experience and get some proper game time.

“I think they get to a stage, like Seb was last year, where they needed to be tested.

“Seb was borderline last year in the sense that he never quite made the breakthrough to the first team squad but excelled at U20 level.

“Probably more of the boys than has previously been the case need to get out and play proper football. They need to experience what it is like to play in games where you must win. Certainly Scott McKenna’s loan spells greatly helped his development.

“It is important for them to experience what it is like to play in games where people’s livelihoods, to a certain degree are affected as they need win bonuses. I know from having played at that level people are reliant on these bonuses at times.

“So from that sense it allows our boys to become more streetwise and hopefully they see what the game is like at that level. It should give them the desire to make it as a full-time footballer. I think it is a really good breeding ground for them.

“Seb is very much in our future plans.

“He is not going out the door to find his level. He is going out the door to play games and hopefully he will come back a better player. Last year he improved greatly and became a regular for the U20s. The number of goals he scored from the middle of the park was brilliant and his progression last year was a lot quicker than I expected so I am really pleased to get him out there and in amongst it.”

Seb also spoke to afc.co.uk this afternoon:

“It is definitely the right time for me to go out on loan. Get the experience. League One will be tough but it is what I need at this stage of my career. I am really looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait to get started and get a few games under my belt. We have a pre-season game on Saturday and then have another one midweek against Hamilton.

“I was there on Saturday for the first time, they played a training game and I got to meet all the players. Everyone at the club made me feel very welcome.

“I will miss playing with my brother although I will enjoy the peace and quiet! I think he will miss me more! I will still train with Aberdeen on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and then will head down the road for the second part of the week and then play on a Saturday.

“Stenhousemuir got promoted last season after doing really well in the play-offs so the club are on the up. They will be aiming high for the new season.”

Everyone wishes Seb well during his time out on loan.