Blood, sweat and tears for un lucky Staggies

Ross County put an awful lot into this game without getting a lot out of it.

Leigh Griffiths put away a trademark free kick – one of the best I’ve seen at Dingwall and almost as good as Richard Brittain’s against Celtic in County’s debut SPL season – and it was the only difference between the two sides in the end.

Celtic certainly had the better of possession and territory but County were just as penetrative at times and asked questions of the Hoops’ centre-back pairing.

Even if the result wasn’t there, there was a lot to be encouraged about as a Ross County supporter.

Getting the blend right in midfield has long been a problem since the beginning of Jim McIntyre’s time but Owen Coyle seems to have found the strongest combination in years.

Chris Routis was used in a more attacking role most of the time under McIntyre but, in his two starts under Coyle, the French midfielder has norminally been the holding midfielder, with the ability to make interceptions and surprise bursts forward from deep.

Routis put in his best performance for the club since County’s 4-2 win at St Johnstone 12 months ago but beside him Jim O’Brien and Ross Draper were just as good.

My only complaint is O’Brien’s silly tackle that brought about the opportunity for Griffiths to shoot.

However, on the whole those three players have a good blend of everything, as well as what seems like a good understanding for three players who haven’t played together much.

The team ought to take confidence going to a refurbished Tynecastle and Saturday brings a fixture that the Staggies should look at taking a win and a chance to leapfrog Hearts in the table.

It’s good to be able to look forward to the football again.

“Therewas a lot to be encouraged about as a Ross County supporter”