Staggies ready to push on after early tests
Malky Mackay last night lauded his Ross County players for handling a gruelling start against six of the best – and promised a much-needed first Premiership win wasn’t far away.
Yesterday’s point against Hearts made it three draws from a tough sequence of opening matches.
With a little more luck, County might have snatched full points but showed character in coming from behind and holding out for a draw.
The former SFA performance director said: “We were playing against the team of the moment, who have a fabulous squad of players and are obviously flying in the league.
“They came here today with an interesting change of formation from the one that has been serving them well. “I felt we coped with that quite well. “It was a very good game and we’ve, again, gone toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the league.
“We’ve had Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Hibs and Hearts now over the last few weeks and we’ve created good chances against them all, with good patterns of play.
“I was delighted with the way we scored both goals – they were excellent – and we could have nicked it at the end.”
The elusive first victory will now be sought in a series of five matches against teams more likely to be around County in the table this season.
The Staggies manager is confident better lies ahead in terms of points return.
He stressed: “I would hope a win isn’t far away. We’ve had a real run against the top clubs, but we’re in games right to the end.
“I’m seeing signs. If we keep playing like that, we’ll be fine.
“It is the start of something new. We’ve had 12 players in and 16 out, with everybody getting to know each other and debuts every week.”
“It means it is going to be a rocky start, but what they’re giving me is organisation, commitment, determination, fitness and they’re keeping going to the end.
“I’m delighted with the way they’re applying myself towards the way I want them to be.
“We’ll get there.”