Ross County

Ross Morren
Fan writer

It's not an exaggeration to say that Ross County's next five matches are season defining.

The Staggies face sides currently in the bottom six in four of their next five matches. They have trips to Motherwell, St Johnstone and Hearts, and host Dundee and Kilmarnock before the next international break in March.

On paper, those fixtures - starting with Saturday's trip to Fir Park - look far kinder compared to County's recent run of Premiership fixtures. In their past three matches, Don Cowie's men have faced champions-elect Celtic, an in-form Hibs side who haven't lost since early December, and Rangers at Ibrox.

County are the only team who don't have to play Celtic or Rangers in their eight remaining pre-split fixtures.

Cowie's side have played seven Premiership matches since Boxing Day, losing two - against Celtic and Rangers. In the five matches against sides non-Old Firm teams during that time, County have picked up 11 points, scored nine goals and only conceded four.

Even though the Staggies are down in 11th, they're only five points off a top-six spot.

If County can continue that recent run of form against the teams around them, they'll start to climb the table and might have an outside chance of sneaking into the top six.

However, they're only five points clear of St Johnstone at the bottom so if they go on a bad run of form, they'll start to look worryingly over their shoulder.

Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Saturday marks exactly a year since Don Cowie took charge at Ross County, the club where he has deep family roots and his life in football began.

The 40-year-old former midfielder stepped up 12 months ago when Derek Adams' short and chaotic third stint as manager came to an abrupt halt.

After securing their top-flight status via the play-offs, the interim part of Cowie's job title was dropped and a one-year rolling contract issued.

Cowie's tenure began with defeat to Rangers but arguably his most memorable result came against the same opposition last April, leading the Staggies to a first victory over the Ibrox side in County's history, a 3-2 win in Dingwall.

This term brought cup exits to lower-league opposition - with the League Cup shock by fourth-tier Spartans a painful low - while an impressive run of three way wins halted County's long wait for a Premiership road victory in style.

County currently sit second bottom, five points clear of St Johnstone, as they look to extend their top-flight stay to seven seasons.

How does Cowie's record stack up to his predecessors? Across all competitions, he has been in charge for 48 games, winning 16 (33%).

In Stuart Kettlewell's time as solo manager he had a 29% win rate, while Malky Mackay's was 33%, and Adams managed to win just 17% in his short second stint.

Reflecting on his first year in charge of his boyhood club, Cowie told BBC Scotland: "I've loved it. I feel like I have had so much support both internally and externally.

"There's been ups and downs. I've been in football for a long time so I recognise that's what happens.

"It's important to stay calm in those moments and I think that's one of the strengths I have.

"Once the game has been played it's always about learning from it, trying to improve and making everyone better."

We asked for your views on Ross County's January transfer business.

Here's what some of you said:

Iain: All in all a decent window, good to get another striker in and Nohan Kenneh performed very well in his last spell here. However, we needed a winger in, we don't have anyone who can drive down the touchline that well. Departure-wise Victor Loturi is the only one I'm sad to see go although he hasn't played much under Don Cowie.

Anon: I like the profile of Kenneh and Kieran Phillips. We needed more height, speed and physicality in front of defence. Not convinced by the defensive signings after the last few matches but time will tell. Loturi, Max Sheaf and Eamonn Brophy just couldn't get going but I think Ricki Lamie should've had more of a shake. Aidan Denholm is injured and Jack Hamilton wasn't up to it.

With the transfer window now closed, how do you feel about Ross County's January business?

Don Cowie brought in forward Kieran Phillips on a permanent deal and added midfielder Nohan Kenneh and defenders Jonathan Tomkinson and Zac Ashworth on loan.

Midfielders Victor Loturi and Max Sheaf and goalkeeper Jack Hamilton departed the club, while striker Eamonn Brophy and defender Ricki Lamie went out on loan and Aidan Denholm returned to Hearts.

So, are County now in good shape to rise clear of relegation trouble? Or did they need strengthening elsewhere?

Have your say on Ross County's transfer business., external

Ross Morren
Fan writer

Ross County really haven't enjoyed their trips to Glasgow this season.

On Sunday the Staggies fell to a 4-0 defeat against Rangers at Ibrox. On their previous visits to Glasgow this season, they've also been on the wrong end of 6-0 and 5-0 scorelines against Rangers and Celtic respectively.

The Staggies' current goal difference of -23 is the worst in the Premiership. In their six matches against Celtic and Rangers this season, they've conceded 24 goals and only managed to score two.

The majority of fans would agree there's a huge gulf between the Old Firm and the rest of the Premiership. To get any sort of positive result against Celtic or Rangers, you need to be at the top of your game, have a lot of luck and hope the opposition have a major off day. Unfortunately for County, they encountered both sides at the wrong time.

In comparison, the rest of the Premiership is extremely competitive with only 11 points separating third place and the dreaded play-off spot in 11th.

Kilmarnock's crucial victory on Saturday evening against Dundee United left the Staggies in 11th place. Behind them, St Johnstone also picked up a crucial win at St Mirren to close the gap at the bottom to five points.

Thankfully, Don Cowie's men don't have to face Celtic or Rangers in any of their remaining pre-split fixtures.

County's eight remaining pre-split games are against sides they'll feel like they have an excellent chance of picking up points against as they seek to climb the table once again.

Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external

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• Rangers have scored in 22 of their 25 games, no team has done so more often in the Premiership this season.

• Rangers have scored in their last 17 games in the Premiership, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of 28 games from 16 September 2023 to 14 April 2024.

• Rangers have kept a clean sheet in 13 of their 25 games, only Celtic (17) have done this more often in the Premiership this season.

• Ross County have failed to score in 10 of their 25 games, no team has failed to do so more often in the Premiership this season.

• Ross County have failed to win in their last three games in the Premiership, their last longer winless streak was from 30 November 2024 to 21 December 2024, a run of four games.

Watch the highlights of Rangers' 4-0 victory over Ross County in the Scottish Premiership.

Did you take in Ross County's 4-0 defeat by Rangers or were you following from home?

Have your say on the match, external

Ross County manager Don Cowie: "We started the game really well in terms of limiting them to very few opportunities. Then, when you concede the first goal, it's a bit of a blow but it's how you respond and react to that and at that stage we let the game get away from us.

"We always look at what we could do better. I feel we've got a really good group who, on their day, can really compete.

"Really disappointed with the result today but now our focus turns to 13 really important games. That's us finished playing the Old Firm so we know what we've got coming up and it's about us giving the best version of ourselves in that run of games.

"We've got eight games first of all, that's the focus. I'm a realist in terms of where we are in the league. The focus right now is getting away from 11th spot and come to the split time, we'll see where that is."

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Kheredine Idessane
BBC Scotland at Ibrox

Ross County manager Don Cowie will be heartily sick of the sight of Rangers. After a 6-0 hammering at Hampden earlier in the season was followed up by a 3-0 reverse in Dingwall, he would have been hoping to keep things as tight as possible for as long as possible.

His side's good organisation and discipline only lasted 18 minutes, however. He must have told his defence that Vaclav Cerny loves nothing more than to cut in from the right wing on his favoured left foot and have pot shots at goal. When he was allowed to do it yet again, it led directly to the first goal and County's shoulders slumped noticeably thereafter.

A fourth consecutive win on the road was always going to be the longest of long shots. Their recent form has been good and they should be able to consign this one to history easily enough.

They showed in flashes, especially through midfielder Noah Chilvers, that they'll cause problems for lesser sides. If they don't manage to work their way into the top six, they'll be delighted they won't have to face Rangers again this season.

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

Rangers could field Clinton Nsiala and Ianis Hagi after being ineligible for Europe but Leon King went off on Thursday with a head knock.

Danilo, Leon Balogun, Connor Barron, Dujon Sterling and Neraysho Kasanwirjo have been sidelined in recent games.

Ross County welcome back Nohan Kenneh and Kacper Lopata. Jack Grieves (head), Michee Efete, Ryan Leak (Achilles), Alex Samuel (thigh) and Will Nightingale (all knee) all remain out.

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Ross County manager Don Cowie says his side must believe they can secure a history-making fourth consecutive away league win when they take on Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday.

The Staggies had never won three successive league matches on the road before their current run - triumphs at Dundee, Aberdeen and Kilmarnock in December and January.

Cowie is fully aware of the size of task that awaits County in Glasgow, but takes confidence from their recent outings.

"It's a massive challenge, they've got the best home record in the country, which shows how strong they've been," Cowie said.

"I've got to look at the other side - we're looking to making it four away wins on the trot. We understand how big a challenge it will be to do that but we must believe that it's possible.

"You always have to keep it tight, to defend really well, your goalkeeper has to perform well."

Cowie says any side named by counterpart Philippe Clement will be strong, despite Rangers' tight turnaround from Thursday's Europa League win against Union Saint-Gilloise.

"That might have a bearing on their team selection," Cowie added.

"They do have some injuries. No matter who plays, it's still Rangers and still a squad full of real talent. It's about being together, being resolute and always looking to carry a threat to cause them problems."

Ross County manager Don Cowie insists he would be comfortable with his squad should he not add any further signings before the transfer deadline but does not rule out outgoings. (Press & Journal), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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• Rangers have won their past 10 home league games against Ross County by an aggregate score of 34-6, since a 1-1 draw in February 2017 under Mark Warburton.

• In all competitions, Ross County have beaten Rangers just once in 27 attempts (D4 L22), a 3-2 league win in April 2024.

• Rangers have won their past three league games, all by a margin of 2+ goals. They last won more in a row by at least two goals in April 2023 (5 under Michael Beale).

• After a run of 25 away league outings without a win, Ross County have now won their past three on the road – as many as their previous 39 away league fixtures combined beforehand (W3 D11 L25).

• Cyriel Dessers has scored in both of Rangers' last two Scottish Premiership games and is looking to score in three successive appearances in the competition for the first time.

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland reporter

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Don Cowie believes "everyone is entitled to show their frustration" when it comes to results at a football club, but the treatment of the now former Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell by some went "too far".

The Ross County boss finished up his playing career under the stewardship of Kettlewell before joining the coaching set up in Dingwall and believes his friend has done an "outstanding" job at Fir Park.

"When you look at it from afar, which I do, he's done an excellent job," he said as he previewed County's weekend game with Rangers.

"They're sitting fifth in the league and have been to a semi-final of a cup and sold players which brought in a lot of money for the club."

Cowie described the "unbelievable" passion Kettlewell has for football, describing him as "the first one in and the last one away".

"He's never someone that shies away from accountability, criticism, the scrutiny of a manager and understands like we all do that comes your way", the Staggies boss added. "But when it goes too far, it becomes too much, and that's obviously the case right now".

On the circumstances that led to Kettlewell's departure from the Steelmen, he added: "I know results have a big bearing on peoples' reactions, and I think everyone is entitled to show their frustration, but when it crosses a line it goes too far.

"I don't think it would happen in any other industry. It's our role to accept that criticism, but when it goes too far we don't have to accept it."

Amy MacBeath
BBC Sport Scotland reporter

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Ross County manager Don Cowie has been speaking to the media before his side's Scottish Premiership match against Rangers on Sunday.

Here are the key things he said:

• The Staggies boss says last week's 1-1 draw at home to Hibernian was a "missed opportunity", adding that it "reinforces the importance of staying in the game, as it can change at any point".

• Cowie emphasised that it was a "big day" for the Ross-shire club to have three homegrown academy players having an impact in a Premiership match, and they are seeing the benefits of loaning young players out since they do not have a reserve or under-18 squad to transition from.

• On their upcoming tie in Glasgow he says Rangers will be a "massive challenge" with their home record, but they are looking to make it four away wins on the trot.

• While their Europa League tie on Thursday night could have a bearing on Phillipe Clement's team selection, Cowie acknowledges "it's still Rangers, it's still a squad full of real talent".

• His strategy for an Ibrox visit involves "being together, being resolute and always looking to carry a threat and cause them problems".

• As for transfer news, he says there is no business happening "as we stand" with the squad "looking healthy", but does hope to have some injured players back in contention from next week.

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Canada midfielder Victor Loturi has left Ross County to join MLS side CF Montreal on a permanent deal.

The 23-year-old moved to the Staggies in summer 2022 from Cavalry FC and went on to make 85 appearances, although he has not started a game since August.

Ross Morren
Fan writer

There was late drama once again in Dingwall as Ronan Hale's 87th-minute penalty rescued a point for Ross County against Hibernian on Saturday.

Hale's penalty was the 17th goal that the Global Energy Stadium has witnessed from the 76th minute onwards in matches this season. The Staggies fell on the wrong side of late drama in recent weeks against Celtic and Livingston, so thankfully they were on the right side of it this time.

County's performance was a tale of two penalties. In the first half, Jordan White - who had scored his three previous spot-kicks this season - witnessed his fourth saved by Hibs goalkeeper Jordan Smith.

It looked like County were going to rue that missed opportunity until Hale's late leveller.

One of the biggest positives for County fans was seeing three academy graduates on the park at the same time. George Robesten, Andrew Macleod and Dylan Smith all made positive impacts on the match, with Robesten and Macleod, in particular, playing a big part in the move which led to County's second penalty.

Robesten and Macleod earned rave reviews during their loan spell at Brora Rangers during the first half of the season and both handled the step up.

Macleod impressed a lot of County fans with his performances in the group stage of the League Cup this term and he grew in confidence against Hibs with every minute he was on the park

Robesten, making his first Premiership start, used his pace and power to cause the Hibs backline plenty of problems.

Smith has already experienced first-team football at County, making his Premiership debut at 16. The Scotland Under-19 international has returned from a successful loan spell at Arbroath and he'll be keen to get a consistent run in the team again.

Don Cowie showed a lot of faith in all three players on Saturday and they didn't let him down. If they can continue their development and grow in confidence with more minutes on the park, the future will be bright for County.

Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

George Robesten: Not a bad way to make an impression, the 19-year-old Ross County academy product provided the cross that led to the penalty.

Watch highlights of Ross County's 1-1 draw against Hibs in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Ross County's 1-1 draw against Hibs.

Here's what some of you said:

Les: Can anyone explain to me, and dozens of other supporters why does Jordan White make the team week after week? Wouldn't even have him on the subs bench.

Graeme: Which County will turn up on match day? On 12 January, County played well for 80 minutes at home to Celtic. Six days later, they were knocked out by lower league opponents. Against Hibs, with three new players, they put in another solid performance. Don Cowie must instil a consistent mentality in the squad otherwise it's the play-offs again!

Ellis: Thought all the young guns played their part especially George Robertson up front. What a player he is, the way he plays, his physique, strength, pace and fitness he could be a big asset to this team. Can see him making this club big money in the future. Decent team performance from the boys and a solid point at home.

Iain: It wasn't a high quality game, Hibs had the better of it slightly but all in all I think 1-1 was a fair result. I was at the game and I can barely remember any proper clear chances for either team.

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• Hibernian are undefeated in their last eight games in the Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 12 May 2021 to 26 September 2021, a run of nine games.

• Hibernian have lost 18 points from winning positions in the Premiership this season, more than any other team.

• Hibernian have scored in each of their last eight games in the Premiership, scoring 17 goals in that run.

• Ross County have scored in each of their last eight games in the Premiership, scoring 12 goals in that run.

• Hibernian have scored in their last eight games in the Premiership, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of 12 games from 7 February 2024 to 4 May 2024.

• Ross County have scored in their last eight games in the Premiership, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of 11 games from 11 December 2021 to 9 February 2022.

• Ronan Hale has scored six goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Ross County player.

• Nectarios Triantis has assisted three goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), no Hibernian player has more.