MARGIN CAL
Ross confident County now have what it takes to get more points from games
BY ROSS CALLACHAN is convinced Ross County have enough about them to shock Celtic tonight – because they almost did when they weren’t playing so well.
The midfielder points to the 3-0 defeat at Parkhead in September as to why County can be confident about facing Ange Postecoglou’s men tonight.
Callachan, 28, said: “I know we got beaten but on the day we created a good few chances and if we had been more clinical we could have got something from the game.
“We have improved a lot since then. We are on a good run so hopefully we can keep building on that.
“It’s always tough against the Old Firm because they are the best players in the league and against quality opposition if you make one halfmistake the ball can be in the back of your net before you know it. So concentration is crucial.”
County grasped a crucial three points against lower-table rivals Dundee at the weekend, coming from 2-1 down to win 3-2.
Boss Malky Mackay has repeatedly emphasised the importance of the process to his players and making sure they stick to the game plan, with Callachan insisting the squad have all bought into it.
He added: “We’ve never really wavered, even when we couldn’t buy a win – the spirit’s always been good.
“And the ability to come from behind in a match is massive.
“If we’d just accepted the way it was going against Dundee, we would have got beaten.
“We never gave up and we came out and had a go in the second half and won.
“You can never give up in football because it’s a crazy game.”
Meanwhile, Mackay is also
delighted to see his stars’ bond with the Jail End youngsters. Goalscorers now instinctively run to celebrate with them and while they may be small in number, Mackay believes those fans have an important role to play in his side’s success.
He said: “It’s important for our new players to feel the buzz of fans.
“Two of them came up to me and asked if they could give their shirts to people in the crowd – and I said, ‘Of course.’
“That’s how the connection starts. It’s difficult because it was a huge change of playing squad in the summer.
“You’ve got people who don’t know each other. Old favourites are gone and over a period of time you see fans start to judge players, see what they do, how they act and who they are.
“I would hope they see a group who are absolutely giving their sweat and blood for the Ross County jersey.
“That’s something fans will always take to – seeing players running their hearts out for the jersey until the 95th minute.
“What they’ve also seen is goals. We’re fifth in the league I believe at the moment for scoring goals.
“We have the ability to attack teams and I’m delighted we’ve had a run of games at home so that the fans have had a chance to see that.
“The players get a connection on the pitch with them, playing at home, and I love the fact that we’ve got this fresh young group of the Staggie Brigade behind the Jail End.
“They have fuelled our players. It’s fabulous the youth want to come here and be part of it. I want them to be part of it so I’m delighted.”