ROUTIS’S CASE FOR DEFENCE

CHRISTOPHER ROUTIS is ready to go on the defensive for Ross County this afternoon.

The versatile French midfielder netted his second goal of the season with a clinical volley in their 2-2 draw with Kilmarnock.

But with a couple of doubts in the County camp for their clash with Hamilton, gaffer Owen Coyle may turn to imposing former Bradford ace Routis for cover at the back.

Routis said: “I played in defence from the start of my career during five years in Geneva. But when I moved to Bradford I started to play more in midfield or right midfield when we played a diamond.

“It is never easy to go back to a position you haven’t played for a while but if the gaffer needs me to I am happy to play there and will give it my all. I can do a good job, I think.

“Sometimes because we haven’t got a big squad, I need to play as a defender in training.

“It isn’t a problem but I just need to make sure my head is 100 per cent concentrated to ensure I give the best for the team.”

While Routis is looking to strengthen the defence, gaffer Coyle admits County will need to show greater mental fortitude if they are to climb the table.

County are without a win in five games after throwing away a two-goal lead against Killie on Tuesday.

Coyle said: “We know the standard we’re capable of. But it’s got to be for as much as the game as we can, knowing when we are under pressure we can see the game through.

“That requires a lot of qualities and mental resilience – that’s something we will continue working on.

“But they are a hardworking bunch of lads here and, bit by bit, we will get better.”