The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
No panic at County
No panic button but County manager sees solution in creativity
Ross County boss Jim McIntyre is refusing to press the panic button after his side’s struggles in front of goal and believes hard work is the only answer. The Staggies are at Partick Thistle today in the Scottish Premiership having scored just seven league goals in nine games.
Ross County manager Jim McIntyre is refusing to press the panic button after his side’s struggles in front of goal and believes hard work is the only answer.
The Staggies are at Partick Thistle today in the Premiership having scored just seven league goals in nine games.
Creativity will be the cure and the manager said :“The focus has been about making sure we get back to creating chances in the way we are accustomed to. Wehave three games coming up in a week but will worry about one game at a time.
“We do our homework onthe opposition and try to nullify their strengths and take advantage of where we think we can be strong.”
Attackers Liam Boyce and Alex Schalk are close to making returns after knee ligament injuries but only the latter has a chance of playing at Firhill.
McIntyre said: “Alex did part of the training session the other day. I think Partick might be too soon for him but he has a chance.
“The bench is a possibility. If we have a fit Alex Schalk we would always have him involved at some stage. But it is five weeks since he picked up the injury, so that's a long time just to throw him back in.
“Liam is making great progress but won't be available.”
Midfielder Tim Chow, following his red card at Pittodrie, is suspended for two matches.
Alan Archibald may have missed on a move to English League One club Shrewsbury Town but McIntyre is not surprised his former Dundee United team-mate’s talent is attracting attention.
The Staggies' manager shared a dressing-room and car with Archibald in their Tannadice days and said: “Alan has done a fantastic job.
“He is someone I hold in high regard and he's done fantastically well since he went there.
“He continues to get good results and good performances. His team plays a nice style of football as well, so it is not a surprise to me people that other clubs are taking note of the good work he's done.”