BELLS AND WHISTLES
Ross out to keep County top into the new year
ROSS CO v ICT GLOBAL ENERGY STADIUM, 3PM
ROSS DRAPER wants to head into 2019 on the back of derby win that would guarantee Ross County remain top of the Championship and deliver a savage blow to Caley Thistle’s title hopes.
The former Inverness midfielder, who crossed the divide last year, is well aware a Staggies victory would leave John Robertson’s men languishing a massive 13 behind the leaders.
The potential swing in the title race is huge given that an Inverness triumph would take them back to seven adrift, with a game in hand against Ayr.
It’s a high stakes game at the Global Energy Stadium today but Draper is determined to show exactly why County deserve to be on top after two draws between the sides this season.
He said: “If we can win we will top the league going into 2019 and that’s the incentive – to be the team getting chased down by everyone else.
“Irrespective of league positions now, it is going to go down to the wire. The derby is a special game but it is only three points in the season.
“Caley will be aiming to catch the pack at the top but it is a good chance for us to build a significant gap.
“Inverness have upped their game against us but we haven’t done ourselves justice so let’s put that right. We will be trying to impose our game and take advantage of being at home.”
But far from being intimidated at the prospect of going to County’s backyard, Caley Thistle full-back Shaun Rooney can’t wait to reacquaint himself with the Staggies faithful after sparking furore with an elaborate goal celebration last month.
He said: “County fans weren’t exactly sympathetic when I got injured but I wasn’t either with my goal celebration! I’m looking forward to seeing them again. Hopefully they’re in good spirits!”
A remarkable 11 draws have dented Caley’s title bid but they remain unbeaten on the road in the league and boss Robertson knows a victory would set the tone for the new year.
He said: “We want to beat our rivals. If you win it’s a tremendous way to finish the year and if you lose it’s a downer. We want to end on a high.”