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Ross is set to have the Final say

BUDDING commentator Ross Adams will enjoy a dream birthday treat at the Scottish Cup Final next week.

But the Stranraer Academy pupil will not be attending Hampden Park as a spectator he will be in the gantry with the BBC Scotland team commentating on the climax to the Scottish football season.

For Ross, who turns 16 next Friday, won a national competition run by the BBC in conjunction with the Daily Record to find the next Rob McLean. And his prize will be a seat in the commentary box for next Saturday's Rangers v Dundee final beside his all-time hero the aforementioned McLean.

Ross' voice will be heard on an edited highlights package to be broadcast later at night.

"I was just delighted to have won," said Ross on Friday after discovering he had come first out of the five national finalists.

"I always fancied covering football on the telly, but now I really fancy trying to make a career out of it".

Ross was chosen as one of five regional finalists in March after he had replied to the BBC Scotland competition explaining why he wanted to be a commentator. He travelled to Dumfries and he gave a commentary on a recording of the Dunfermline v Hibs quarter final match.

The Celtic-daft youngster came out on top after impressing BBC judges with his in-depth analysis of both sides.

From there it was on to the national final where Ross was forced to hide his allegiances and report on a recording of the Rangers v Motherwell semi-final last month. Sportscene editor Tom Connor chose him as the winner.

"I put a lot of hard work and research into it before I went up to the studios in Glasgow so, thankfully, it has all paid off in the end," said Ross.

"I can not wait until the final, although I will probably be a wee bit nervous beforehand".

Ross' parents Margaret and Bill will travel to Hampden with their son on Saturday and have received VIP tickets for the big match.

A BBC spokesman said:

"Ross really stood out because he was very natural, but clear.

" He had obviously done his homework as he knew the style of the commentator and had knowledge of the teams".

Ross, of Jubilee Crescent, Stranraer, met Rob McLean and co-presenter Sandy Clark in the BBC studios at Queen Margaret Drive on Saturday.