ROSS COUNTY

IN: Ross Laidlaw (Hibernian), Joe Chalmers (Inverness CT), Blair Spittal (Partick Thistle), Simon Power (loan; Norwich), Lee Erwin, Jack Ruddy (Wolves).

OUT: Scott Fox (Partick Thistle), Callum Semple (QoS), Greg Morrison, Declan McManus (loan; Falkirk), Jamie Lindsay (Rotherham).

KEY MAN: JOSH MULLIN. A shining light in last season’s Championship. Fully-committed winger that so often proved to be the match-winner in the second tier. Capable of making his presence felt this season in Premiership company.

KEY ADDITION: BLAIR SPITTAL. Penned a two-year deal from Partick Thistle and the talented 23-year-old looks destined to add another attacking layer to the Staggies’ forward armoury.

ROSS COUNTY were worthy winners of the Championship last season and have bounced back to the top flight at the first time of asking. The Staggies suffered relegation from the Premiership in 2017 but co-managers Steven Ferguson and Stuart Kettlewell have plenty of firepower at their disposal. The signing of striker Lee Erwin adds further strength to an impressive attacking line. The creativity of Blair Spittal, Michael Gardyne and Josh Mullin offer plenty of support to strikers such as Billy Mckay, Erwin and Ross Stewart. County proved their goalscoring credentials by winning all four Betfred Cup games and netting 12 times in the process. Last season’s success was largely built on solid home form and the long trip to Dingwall could be a daunting one for some clubs. Defensively, the Highlanders will be tested a lot more but Premiership survival is a very achievable goal.