HISTORIC VICTORY ‘CAN INSPIRE SURVIVAL BID’

DON COWIE implored his Ross County players to take belief from their historic triumph over Rangers as they attempt to seal Premiership survival. The Staggies’ first win over the Ibrox club in 25 attempts came via a barnstorming second-half display that saw them score three times to wipe out Jack Baldwin’s own goal. With St Johnstone losing on Saturday, County are now just a point behind the Perth men in the fight to avoid the play-offs. Interim boss Cowie feels his squad should now have the wherewithal over the course of the post-split fixtures to ensure they stay out of danger. ‘It’s a big win,’ said the 41-yearold former Scotland midfielder. ‘Before we had six games left, and every game is just as important, but we were playing against a very good team. ‘We had real belief going into the game because our home form has been very good and it was about trying to build on that. Collectively, it was an excellent team performance. ‘I spoke to the players after the game. What we get is three points and that’s it. But, beyond that, we have to take real belief and confidence going into five crucial games after today and try to build on it.’ Cowie felt his players passed a true test of character after falling behind inside 15 minutes. Reflecting on the goals from Simon Murray, George Harmon and Josh Sims before James Tavernier’s late penalty, he added: ‘I think they took real belief from what was happening on the pitch. ‘Even though we conceded the [opening] goal we had created a couple of really good chances. We weren’t clinical enough and didn’t take them. But you sense it as a player. ‘You realise what’s happening. And they built from that. The message at half-time was that we had done really well, and we were disappointed to be behind. It was about coming out fast and being positive and they certainly did that. ‘At the end of the game, it got a bit nervy and that is natural. They [Rangers] got the penalty. But I saw a group of players putting their bodies on the line to make sure we got the three points and that was very pleasing.’ Cowie restored Ross Laidlaw to the goalkeeper position ahead of George Wickens. Delighted with the saves Laidlaw pulled off throughout the game, the County boss said: ‘It was a big call because I have two very good goalkeepers. ‘George has come in and done really well. Ross has had a really stop-start period because of illness and injury. I just had a feeling it was his time to go back in. He has had to be patient but he certainly didn’t let us down, that’s for sure.’ Cowie insisted he had no issue with Rangers boss Philippe Clement not shaking his hand straight after the final whistle. ‘He [later] apologised that he didn’t shake my hand, which I have got no problem with,’ said the County boss. ‘It is a game that he probably expects to come up and win and he is in a pressured situation in terms of fighting for the league title. I had 10 minutes with him prior to the game and he was very respectful. Yeah, no issues there with me.’