Staggies expect to face different United side

Ross County co-boss wary of threat posed by transformed Tangerines

Ross County co-manager Steven Ferguson is wary of the threat of an improving Dundee United as the Staggies prepare to welcome the resurgent Tangerines to Dingwall this weekend.

County thrashed United 5-1 at Tannadice in the last meeting of the sides on September 29, with the result ending Csaba Laszlo’s reign at the Tangerines.

United have regrouped since then, with the appointment of Robbie Neilson leading to an upturn in form and they head for Victoria Park on Saturday knowing victory can move them to within a point of the second-placed Staggies.

Ferguson said: “United have had a bounce under Robbie Neilson and they are in a good bit of form now. It’s the same players but Robbie has come up with a formula which has got them going.

“They will be very dangerous but I say that about every team we play, I sound like a broken record.

“But it’s really true. United have a goal

STEVEN FERGUSON

threat, are in a shape which suits the players and will fancy their chances coming up to Dingwall.

“They will want to come up here and make amends for when we turned them over at their place the last time we met.

“It’s the same players and there is a lot of personal and professional pride which will kick in and make them more dangerous.

“But we will be ready. We’ve come through a tough game against our Highland rivals and we will dust ourselves down and go again.”

County are unbeaten at home this season but back-to-back away draws at Falkirk and Caley Thistle have allowed Ayr United to replace the Staggies as Championship leaders, and they hold a three-point advantage on Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell’s side.

Ferguson believes the quick change in fortunes at the top of the table shows just how competitive Scotland’s second tier has been and he does not expect the trend to change anytime soon.

He said: “I’ve said every week if you don’t win three points in this league you can bet your bottom dollar someone beside you is going to win.

“It’s like that every matchday and it will be that way until the end of the season.

“Ayr United are on a fantastic run where they are winning games and they will reap the benefit of being top of the league. They deserve credit for that but we want to be in that position.

“Unfortunately, we’re not and we need to do our utmost to get back to winning ways when Dundee United come up on Saturday.”

They will want to come up here and make amends for when we turned them over at their place last time we met.