‘Positive County are up for challenge’

Will Nightingale is adamant Ross County will go into their playoff showdown against Raith Rovers with “loads of confidence” despite the agony of slipping back into the relegation zone on the final day of the cinch Premiership.

The Staggies went into the last match of the season in 10th place, a position that would have ensured their topflight survival, but they were leapfrogged by St Johnstone on Sunday after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to 10-man Aberdeen.

Despite that disappointment, defender Nightingale feels his side, who have won four and drawn four of their last 13 matches under interim boss Don Cowie, are in good enough form to feel positive about their two-legged play-off with Championship promotion hopefuls Raith.

“I think we can go into it with loads of confidence,” the on-loan Wimbledon defender said ahead of the first leg at Stark’s Park.

“I think the gaffer’s given the fans here lots of highs in recent times and, on the whole, the squad is in a great place.

“It’s just about believing in ourselves and bringing our best.

“I’ll be honest, the other day obviously I felt very disappointed.

“But that was then and this is now. Now I feel positive and ready to embrace the challenge. I’m looking forward to it.

“On any day we believe we can match anyone. I think we’ve shown that at times, but obviously the biggest issue has been consistency.

“At the minute our season has two games to go and they are the biggest games of our season. I have every faith in the team to deal with it.”

County have Michee Efete back in contention after he missed the Aberdeen game, so Scott Allardice and Max Sheaf are the only absentees.