The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Erwin wins patience game
● Ex-Tractor man ploughing new furrow with Staggies at long last
Lee Erwin is urging patience as he attempts to settle into Ross County’s side in the coming weeks. Forward Erwin has had a disrupted start to his Staggies career since joining from Iranian side Tractor in the summer, with registration issues initially preventing him from making his debut.
Despite Erwin finally making his debut in a Betfred Cup loss to Partick Thistle in August, the 25-year-old subsequently suffered a hamstring injury which sidelined him for more than two months.
After being handed his first start against Hamilton Accies on Saturday, Erwin made an immediate impact by helping to set up strikepartner Billy Mckay’s opener in the 2-2 draw.
Former Motherwell and Kilmarnock attacker Erwin feels he can make up for lost time.
He said: “Although we are in November now, it’s all still relatively new to me.
“That was my first time playing with a lot of the boys on Saturday.
“I waited so long with the registration, but I was doing well to get my fitness up during that period.
“Once the registration came I got injured, which set me back again.
“It has been a long wait, frustrating, but that’s football. I just need to think positive now, and look forward to the games.
“It has only been one game I have actually played with the team, and it’s a lot different going from training to games.
“I know enough about everybody that’s involved, which makes it easier to adapt.”
Saturday’s goalscorer Mckay is not the only striker providing competition for Erwin, with Brian Graham coming off the bench to net twice in the last three games, while Ross Stewart remains leading scorer with eight goals.
Erwin hopes to play his part though, adding: “Competition is healthy. That’s what keeps you performing at your best for the team, as you want to get picked.
“It’s healthy. Brian has come on in the last two matches and scored to get us two vital points.
“The point we got on
Saturday means we have actually moved up a place in the table.
“Billy started the game and got the goal after a minute.
“Everybody is chipping in with crucial goals.”
Erwin could make his Victoria Park debut when Aberdeen make the trip to Dingwall on Saturday, and the Belshill-born forward hopes he can put his frustrating spell in Iran behind him with a consistent run of games.
He added: “If I’m selected on Saturday it would be my home debut – I have not even set foot on that park yet.
“Hopefully I will be on at some point.
“It’s good to get back to what I know.
“It’s a great club, I’m settled up here.
“I’m just looking forward to getting back playing.
“Aberdeen have a great support, so there should be a bit of atmosphere and hopefully we can get some points.”
County’s away trip to Rangers next month has been switched to January 29 with a 7.45pm kick-off due to a clash with the Ibrox side’s Betfred Cup final against Celtic.