The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Chalmers’ elite prospects
● New signing reckons Staggies will hold their own in top flight
Joe Chalmers has backed Ross County to hold their own back in the top flight after moving from Inverness to join the Championship title winners.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who has been a key player for Caley Jags, has crossed the Kessock Bridge on a two-year-deal.
Chalmers is looking forward to playing in the Premiership under Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson.
He believes he is joining a club which will be capable of competing in Scottish football’s top flight.
He said: “I want to come here and play a part, but I know there will be a lot of competition.
“Hopefully we can have a good season and cement our place in the Premiership.
“With the squad the managers are building here I think we will have a right good chance of staying up.
“I am delighted to get things sorted so I can go into the summer with something to look forward to.
“The club is on a high after promotion so I was keen to be involved in it.”
Chalmers knows all about the qualities at his new club, having played against County six times this season, and with current and former Staggies players all speaking highly of the club he is looking forward
to his new challenge Victoria Park.
He said: “We had tough games against Ross County this season so I knew how good a side they were and when I spoke to the managers, the conversations were brilliant and made me want to come here.
“I spoke to Marcus Fraser, I’m friends with him, so I had a few conversations with people I know here. Jackson Irvine at also told me about the club and was very positive about the place.”
Chalmers joined Inverness from Motherwell in 2017, having featured in defence for the Steelmen, but quickly cemented his place in John Robertson’s side when he was converted into a midfielder.
A former product of Celtic’s youth academy, former Scotland under-21 international Chalmers believes he has found his preferred position in the heart of the team following two years at Caledonian Stadium.
He said: “I have had good years playing centre midfield so I think that’s where my best position is.
“I spent most of my career at left-back so can play there and have even been on the right wing this season but overall, I think I play best when I’m in the middle of the park.”