Loturi certain of top six for County

Victor Loturi remains convinced Ross County can break into the top six again this season. The Staggies’ 3-2 victory over St Mirren on Saturday moved them off the foot of the Premiership table.

It was just their third win from their opening 14 matches, moving them level on points with 10th placed Kilmarnock.

At present, County trail sixth-placed St Johnstone by seven points.

Such has been the improvement in their performances in recent weeks however, Canadian midfielder Loturi firmly believes his side can match last season’s feat of securing a top-half finish.

Loturi said: “We are focused on aiming for the top six again this year. We see in training how good a group we are.

“I think we’ll finish top six, 100%. It is just a matter of time before we start getting our points and picking it up, honestly.

“The three points against St Mirren were big and that’s just the start.”

Loturi was handed his first start since August against the Buddies, in the heart of the Staggies’ midfield.

After only 10 minutes, Loturi provided an excellent assist for Jordan White’s opening goal.

Along with Yan Dhanda and Jordan Tillson, Loturi was pinpointed for praise by manager Malky Mackay after the game.

Having made the summer switch from Cavalry FC in his homeland, Loturi feels he is adapting to the “crazy” nature of the Scottish game.

The 21-year-old said: “I was waiting patiently for my opportunity and I felt like I took it on Saturday. It has taken time to settle into the team, but the guys have been really good to me and made it easy to settle in the area.

“It is a different style of play.

“In Canada it is a little bit slower.

“Here it is more physical and faster, but I just had to adjust to it and I feel like I’ve done that.

“It is more frantic – it can be crazy out there. There are tackles flying everywhere, and it’s just the physicality of it.

“I feel like I always have to be one step ahead when I’m thinking about what I’m going to do next.

“Firstly, it is about being mentally sharper. I try to think my way out of trouble, but if not I need to put a strong challenge in.

“But it is the same in training as it is in games, so we just get used to it.

“It wasn’t too bad a change, but it is definitely different.”

After getting back to winning ways, County will aim to carry on the feelgood factor when they travel to Hibernian today.

They then face another difficult away match, when they face Celtic at Parkhead on Saturday in their final game before the winter break.

Loturi is relishing the opportunity to test himself against some of the league’s top players.

He added: “We’ve been so unlucky in these past few games, but the win sets us up perfectly for Tuesday.

“Games like Hibs at Easter Road, then Celtic away is why we came here, to play in these big games.

“My first league start came against Rangers at Ibrox which was a great experience, so I’m ready for the next two games.”

CLASH: St Mirren’s Curtis Main, left, and Victor Loturi in action in Ross County’s win on Saturday.