Gardyne happy to leave terrace behind for return to action

Ross County winger Michael Gardyne is ready to make his mark on the pitch after having to take his place among the crowd during the longest injury lay-off of his career.

The former Dundee United player returned following more than two months out with a broken foot when he made a substitute appearance in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Queen of the South.

The 32-year-old is in contention to start this weekend’s top-of-the-table encounter against Ayr United at Somerset Park.

During Gardyne’s absence, the player joined the Staggies supporters to watch some of his side’s games. He enjoyed the experience the winger but is ready to get back to contributing on the field.

He said: “It’s not nice, it’s just that way you feel you can’t help your team-mates.

“To be fair we have won a good few of the games. I remember watching the Morton game at home when we won 5-0 – that was great to watch.

“For other games, like Caley Thistle away, I went and sat with the fans. You are just kicking every ball, you just want your team-mates to win and do well.

“Now I’m back I’m hoping to get involved and help my teammates.

“It’s definitely different. Some of the shouts from fans are brilliant as well – I was joining in.

“It’s nice to have that rapport with the fans but nothing beats being out there and being out on the pitch.”

Gardyne is relishing this weekend’s encounter against the Honest Men, who are a point clear of County at the Championship summit.

He said: “Ayr went under the radar at the start of the season, when everyone was talking about Dundee United, Ross County and Partick Thistle.

“They were probably quite happy with that.

“This is the time now, in December and January, where it does become a title race.

“Ayr have been flying, they are up there on merit. In the last couple of months I have not been surprised they have kept it going.”

Michael Gardyne watched games with fans on the terracing.