Scorer of football’s fastest ever hat-trick in just 90 seconds, Tommy Ross dies aged 71
Highlands striker netted incredible treble for Ross County in 1964, before going on to play for Peterborough United, Wigan Athletic and York City
THE Scottish footballer who scored the fastest hat-trick of all time has died at the age of 71.
Tommy Ross blasted an incredible treble inside 90 seconds when playing for Ross County against Nairn County in 1964.
Ross was just 18 when he scored his historic hat-trick during a season in which he netted 44 times.
His stunning triple strike in the Highlands town of Dingwalls - home of Ross County - remains the top mark of its kind in the Guinness Book of World Records.
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News of Ross's death was announced by St Duthus, a club which he managed in the 1990s.
The North Caledonian League side published a moving tribute to their former boss on their Twitter feed.
Ross's Highlands heroics caught the attention of clubs south of the border, with Newcastle, Millwall and Cardiff joining Aberdeen in a chase for the youngster.
It was Peterborough United who finally landed Ross, although he only played six games for the Posh, scoring twice.
Ross went on to play for Wigan Athletic, York City and Brora Rangers, and later became a scout for Tottenham.