COYLE READY TO HANDLE THE QUALITY GAP

OWEN COYLE is confident he can easily adapt to managing a more modest calibre of player in Scotland given what he sees as the slender margins between superstar status and solid pro. The new Ross County boss, who steps straight into the dugout for today’s trip to Rugby Park, spent eight of his 14 managerial years in England. During that time, he worked with the likes of Andy Cole, Marcos Alonso and Gary Cahill. But having played at all levels and cut his teeth in the technical area with Falkirk, Airdrie and St Johnstone, Coyle reckons the principles of football remain the same — no matter the standard. Asked if there would need to be an adjustment in expectations on players, Coyle (below) replied: ‘It’s no great challenge and I’ll tell you why. ‘I started as a part-time player and worked my way up to become a full international, playing in the Premier League with Bolton for a short spell. ‘I knew, as a player, the game is the same wherever you go. There are different levels, and obviously the Premier League in England — as much as there are wonderful individual teams in other leagues — is probably the best in the world in terms of competitiveness. ‘I had three years at the highest level, but it is the same principles at different levels. ‘There are boys who have played in the Scottish Premiership who have as much technical ability as boys playing in the English Premier League. ‘It’s the same game, just different levels.’ Coyle needs his new charges to raise their game today. After just one win from seven league matches under predecessor Jim McIntyre, they are only a point ahead of bottom-placed Kilmarnock. Coyle had no thoughts of taking a seat in the stand and was thrilled to get back out on the training field after his unveiling. ‘There was no point saying: “I’ll sit in the stand and watch the game”. ‘I’m here. Let’s get going and try to turn those defeats into victories — and then kick on.’ Coyle will look to stamp his own mark on the County squad when the time is right but, for now, the onus is on the players to impress. ‘It’s up to the players to show me they will be part of it,’ he said. ‘Everybody will get their chance.’