The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
County out to break Hearts
Premiership: Staggies captain aims to keep Jambos waiting for Tynecastle win
Ross County captain Andrew Davies hopes to inflict more pain on Hearts this weekend after their close encounter with league leaders Celtic.
Ross County captain Andrew Davies hopes to inflict more pain on Hearts this weekend after their close encounter with league leaders Celtic.
Davies expects the pressure of expectation to weigh heavily on Hearts as they face the Staggies in their second match at new-look Tynecastle.
Kris Doolan netted a late equaliser for Partick Thistle to deny Hearts a winning return to Tynecastle on Sunday. English central defender Davies is determined to prey on any hint of weakness in
Craig Levein’s ranks, seven days on from a narrow 1-0 loss against the champions.
Davies said: “It was a really good performance from the boys against Celtic. We went about our task really well, individually and collectively.
“I thought we had them at one point. I sensed there was a good opportunity, especially given the couple of decent chances we had at 0-0. If we had gone 1-0 up it would have been interesting to see how Celtic reacted because they were really struggling to break us down.
“So to lose a goal like that, in that manner we did, was very disappointing and hard to take. The manager was disappointed, too, but he was fine with us after the game – and that tells you a lot.
“The gaffer is all about honesty and working hard for each other. If you do that, then he’s fine. We showed that with matching the runners all over the pitch.
“I think people thought we might run out of steam after the first half, but the training he has us doing means we are a very fit bunch and could carry it on for the full 90 minutes.”
Davies holds Hearts in high regard despite Levein’s difficulties, but is convinced County are capable of taking full points. He said: “I am really looking forward to it down there at the new-look ground. “We should’ve won the game here against Hearts. It was a strange game to lose against them.
“But we will go there full of confidence and I don’t see why we can’t get a result if we perform like we did against Celtic.
“It will be an exciting game and I always enjoy playing at Tynecastle.
“They are a good team and have obviously proved that over the years. But I do believe when we are on our game, we have a good squad of players here capable of winning anywhere. When we play to our full ability, we can hurt anyone.
“The manager will be emphasising we should go out there full of confidence and have a right good go at them. Like I say, it left a bit of a bitter taste in our mouth being beaten by Hearts last time up here, so we are ready to go.”