Mackay: We’ll rise to Count
Malky Mackay insists his Ross County new boys will flourish after finding their Scottish top-flight feet.
The Dingwall boss has a host of young signings, several loans, settling into what he stressed can be a harsh environment.
They showed in flashes what they’re capable of in Perth but couldn’t craft open a wily Saints defence.
There won’t be any worry at County as they took 11 games and until the end of October to bag a win in the Premiership last season.
Staggies stay 10th and on five points after taking a draw from McDiarmid.
Mackay is happy to be patient with Belgian kid Kazeem Olaigbe, on loan from Southampton, while William Akio made his first start on the opposite wing with four second-half subs also new arrivals.
Mackay said: “It’s a hardfought point away against an experienced team with some guys in their debut season in the Premiership.
“They’re very honest and some are two minutes into Scottish football. People underestimate Scottish football at their peril. It’s a tough league where no quarter is given – or asked. Teams are well organised, well drilled and fit.
“It’s a physical game and everyone has to get up to that speed. They’re getting there. We had Akio and Kazeem hit the bar, Owura Edwards had a good go on the left after coming on.
“These guys are threats. I was disappointed with the quality in the final third because that’s what was going to win the game – the final cross, final pass, final strike. We got into great positions and I threw on five subs to try to win.”
County earned a second clean sheet of the league campaign and Mackay added: “The spine of my team was excellent.”