Coyle: Eagles can fly high in Dingwall
OWEN COYLE always knew Chris Eagles would light up the Global Energy Stadium with his talent and trickery.
But the Ross County manager has now challenged the former Manchester United and Burnley frontman to illuminate Dingwall with goals.
Coyle, who made Eagles his first County signing last month, saw a first concrete return on the club’s investment in the 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock on Tuesday night.
The gifted 32-year-old set up both goals with pin-point dead-ball deliveries and also had the home crowd gasping in delight with some sublime flashes of skill.
Coyle, though, knows the man he signed for both Burnley and Bolton remains short of his best as he chases match sharpness.
Once fully fit, the County boss insists Eagles will also be able to hit the back of the net with regularity and prove himself a matchwinner in the Premiership.
Coyle said: “We always knew Chris had decent natural fitness but what we need to do is build up his match fitness.
“There’s no doubt when he’s at full flight he creates chances and gets shots away. We all saw the quality of his deliveries for both our goals the other night.
“There’s no doubt he brings extra quality to the squad. What he has to understand, as we move forward, is we need that match sharpness, durability and sustainability for the full period of the game.
“That takes time to build up but when he gets the ball in danger areas, he’s capable of getting spectators out of their seats.
“That’s what we want to do but, equally, making sure we’re winning games while doing it. Chris has great balance and although he hasn’t scored yet I know there are goals in him.
“He had a couple of assists the other night and we know he’s capable of being a match-winner.
“When he’s fully up to speed he’ll certainly be a good asset.”
Coyle is also convinced Eagles will prove a great role model and mentor to County’s two younger wingers, Davis Keillor-Dunn and Tony Dingwall.
Teenager Keillor-Dunn has made the first-team breakthrough this season but remains a raw talent while Dingwall is fit again after a serious knee injury.
And he has been handed a six-month deal to enable him to stake a claim.
Coyle said: “Tony agreed a six-month extension and I see something in him.
“The way Chris goes about things on the training ground can only help young players. I’m pretty sure he will have already passed on his experience because he has a very good nature.
“Davis is going to be a very good player so hopefully it can help them both to improve if they look closely at some of the talent and everything else Chris has.
“It’s not just about talent though – talent is never enough. But hopefully he can help some of the younger ones at the club.”