The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
McInnes tip of the hat to courageous Ross County
Reds: Boss says forward-thinking opponents worthy of top-tier spot
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes believes Ross County’s attacking philosophy can pay off by keeping the club in the Premiership.
Staggies co-managers Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson have guided their side to sixth in the Premiership after 12 matches and McInnes believes the strong start from County can keep them away from relegation trouble this term.
He said: “Steven and Stuart have done extremely well. They won the
Championship last season when their club was not favourites and also won the Challenge Cup.
“That confidence has continued in the Premiership. It’s important, wherever you are aiming for in a league, to beat the teams in and around you and they have managed to do that.
“They are having a similar impact to what Livingston had last season.
“They’ve really attacked teams in the Premiership and they go with a front two more often than not.
“They’ve taken a couple of sore ones against the Old Firm, as most teams will, and while it is early days I’d say it’s looking positive for them.
“If they maintain the form and results they have achieved so far they will be comfortably away from any trouble.” McInnes may be full of praise for
County but he is hoping to see a third win in a row from his side before the international break.
The Dons head to Dingwall on Saturday to face the Championship winners at Victoria Park boosted by the return of Craig Bryson while Ash Taylor is also in contention following a hamstring tear.
Sam Cosgrove has also recovered from the knock he took in Saturday’s 3-0 win against Kilmarnock.
McInnes said: “Dingwall is still a trek – as most away games are for us – but it’s a ground where we’ve had decent success and good memories of playing at in the past and we are focusing on producing a performance which is good enough to take all three points on Saturday.
“The squad is building back up again and that is important. Hopefully we have come through this challenging spell we’ve had.”