'Biggest achievement of my career' Ross County's League Cup glory 10 years on

A Ross County League Cup winner says winning the trophy with the Staggies remains the biggest achievement of his career and wouldn't rule out another spell with the Highland side.

10 years ago today, County sent shock waves around Scottish football by beating Hibernian 2-1 at Hampden Park.

It topped off a cup run which also saw them knock holders Celtic out in the semi-finals.

The win completed a remarkable journey from the Highland League to major trophy success in just over 20 years, and came around six years after reaching the Scottish Cup final.

To mark the anniversary, we spoke with current Falkirk striker Brian Graham, who came on as a sub that day to play a pivotal role.

'A very special day'

County opened the scoring when Michael Gardyne managed to avoid a tackle to take the ball round goalkeeper Mark Oxley and slot the ball into an empty net.

Hibs equalised at the end of the first half through Liam Fontaine, before Alex Schalk scored in the 90th minute to claim County's first piece of major silverware.

Striker Brian Graham replaced Liam Boyce with 30 minutes to go, and while he didn't get on the score sheet, he played a major role in ensuring the trophy would make the journey up the A9.

Graham had two goals chopped off and very nearly scored the winning goal himself, had Fontaine not cleared Gardyne's cross back towards Schalk.

Current Falkirk striker Graham says it's a day he'll never forget.

He said: "It's probably the biggest achievement I've had in my career, going to the national stadium and winning one of the national cups at such a small club like Ross County.

"Jim McIntyre, Billy Dodds, the rest of the coaching staff and players, we had a really good season. 

"My family were in the crowd and when that final whistle went, the alation, running towards the half way line, looking up seeing your mum, dad, wife and kids in the crowd, it was a very special day."

'The ref disallowed two of my goals, I'll never forgive him!'

Although Ross County were a division above Hibs at the time and would go on to secure a top six spot in the Premiership that season, Graham felt they had a major challenge ahead of them.

He added: "I still believe we were the underdogs, I still believe Hibs were the bigger club, bigger fanbase. 

"Some really talented players, John McGinn, we've all seen what he has gone onto to do in the game, even Marvin Bartley the tight center mid, they had really good players and we knew it was going to be a real tough game.

"On the day, I thought we were excellent. 

"I scored two in that game and both goals were ruled out. I'll never forgive Kevin Clancy for it. 

"I felt I came on and made a big impact in the game, but it was a collective and I think that's what we did over the course of the full year. 

"It wasn't any individuals, it was a collective team that managed to get top six and win the cup.

"It's something that will stay with you forever."

38-year-old Graham has fond memories of his two spells with the Highland side and says wanting to be closer to his young kids was a major factor in his 2020 departure.

However, a return to the Ross-shire club isn't off the table.

He said: "Now they're (his kids) a bit older, I wouldn't rule the move out.

"At the same time, County have got a lot to do between now and the end of the season.

"They've got eight cup finals to try and get themselves safe.

"I believe in Stuart and the team that they can do it."