STEWART MURDOCH is thrilled to return to Scotland with Ross County - but reckons playing in England turned him from Bairn to man.

The former Falkirk midfielder enjoyed two seasons with Graham Alexander's Fleetwood Town and believes they have made him a far better player than the one that left for English League Two in summer 2013.

The 25-year-old - who signed a two-year deal for the Dingwall side yesterday - is viewed by manager Jim McIntyre as an ideal replacement for Shrewsbury Town-bound Martin Woods.

And McIntyre's sixth summer signing is eager to make his mark back in his homeland top flight having soaked up the experiences down south.

The highs included helping Fleetwood defeat Burton Albion to win the League One promotion play-off at Wembley in May last year.

The lows saw Murdoch scrapping to convince manager Alexander he was worthy of a regular place, despite 49 appearances at the club in two years.

Aberdeen-born Murdoch, who also made more than 70 Falkirk appearances, admitted: "I came up to Scotland on Monday and came through here today (wed) to finalise everything. It's great to be back.

"I've had two years down south with Fleetwoood but they've been making a few changes, losing about 12 players.

"This chance came up - and it's a great opportunity for me back home.

"I haven't played much in the SPL, so it is an exciting chance for me.

"Although I didn't play as much as I would have liked down south, I feel I'm a better player for the experiences I've had.

"It is down to me now to come in here in pre-season, prove my worth and play as much football as I possibly can.

"The bulk of my football in Scotland came with Falkirk in the First Division so my time at Fleetwood and the loan spell at Northampton was a step up for me.

"Adapting to that and moving away from home for the first time, and also learning from other players and coaches, has really helped me.

"I'd come all the way through the system at Falkirk, so it was a great experience to be at a different club, playing against teams like Sheffield United.

"Also, while not playing as much as I'd have liked, I've had to face up to that adversity and work as hard as I could to get chances again.

"I feel much more ready for Scotland's top flight than I would have, not just as a player but as a person.

"I feel I'm ready to stamp my authority on the position I'm hoping to play, which is obviously centre midfield."

Ex-Falkirk team-mate Sean Higgins, who spent seven years at County, advised Murdoch on the move to Dingwall, while Bairns mentor Alex Smith him a glowing reference.

Murdoch stressed: "I've spoken to quite a few lads who have been here before. They all said that because you're quite far north the lads all bond really well.

"As I'm married now, one of the things I realised moving away last time was the importance of boys socialising and wives getting to know one another.

"Signing for two years gives me a chance to play as much football as I can.

"The manager said to me there have been quite a few changes and he's having to make a few signings.

"He's bringing in a few players on two-year deals so, between now and the first day of pre-season, I need to get myself ready to go.

"I'm at the age now where I'm supposedly coming into my best footballing years. I need to make sure they really are my best years and I'm playing regularly and performing.

"I'm looking forward to getting the opportunity to forge a regular place in the team."

Murdoch knows the torment County went through last season before achieving safety - and is convinced it won't happen again.

He added: "Generally, as a footballer, you're never really aiming just to survive. You don't go into a season thinking that way.

"My aim is to be in the team as much as possible and help the team win as many games as we can.

"Hopefully that will be enough to take us up the league and avoid the kind of scenario the club experienced last year.

"I don't see why, with the signings he's making, we can't do that."