Adams confirms quartet to leave Ross County
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DEREK Adams completed the release of four players yesterday (Thursday) and could be poised to agree a deal with Partick Thistle for striker Steven Craig.
Ahead of an eagerly-anticipated trip to face Champions League contenders Celtic, Kurtis Byrne, Russell Duncan, Joe Malin and Jon Bateson all agreed contract terminations.
Craig, who is on loan at Partick until the end of this month, will also leave if a deal can be cut between the player, Partick and Ross County.
Adams confirmed: “Steven is free to talk to Partick Thistle. They have enquired and want to take him, so they have to try and sort out a deal. If we can agree a deal, I will let Steven go.
“They are obviously riding high at the top of the First Division and want to strengthen their squad. He would go as a free transfer.
“If Partick can come up with a deal that is suitable to the player and to Ross County, he will leave. If that doesn’t happen, then Steven will come back here at the end of December.”
Craig will be forever remembered by the County faithful for the famous Hampden Park goal in the shock semifinal triumph over Celtic.
Adams added: “Steven did exceptionally well for us in his time here and, if it is to be, he moves on with our best wishes.”
As for the four definite departures, Adams hopes to use the cash freed up to strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.
But he distanced himself from midweek reports linking County to Sheffield United duo Callum McFadzean and Jordan Chappell, as well as Hibernian’s Ivan Sproule.
Adams said: “Russell Duncan, Kurtis Byrne, Jon Bateson and Joe Malin will leave the club by today. There is just a bit of paperwork to complete. They will be free to move to other clubs.
"The lads who are leaving have done well, some over a number of years. But we’ve moved up a league now and it has been difficult for them to get into the starting team this year.
“It is beneficial for them to try and get first team football somewhere else. Hopefully, it will help them move their careers on.”
Adams said there was still a “possibility” other players might depart but added: “We have a tight squad now and we have to be careful over the winter period.
“There is certainly more money to spend now for January, but it is not a great deal.
“Hopefully, I can take in one or two players over the next period of time.”
Adams confirmed he was looking at the English market, describing the Scottish scene as “difficult”, but is still to sit down with chairman Roy MacGregor to discuss extra finances.
The manager said: “We’ll see what type of player we can get in. We’ve been touted with a lot of players and two Sheffield United players in particular. It is all hypothetical. We have spoken to Sheffield United about players but not these two specific individuals.
“There is a good list of potential targets. We’re talking to a lot of people and striking a few names off. We maybe can’t afford them or they don’t want to come up north.
“We have a clear idea of where we want to go and have done for a wee while now.
“There is a problem in the Scottish market – there is not a lot about and what is available can be difficult to get. A lot of players, if we want them, are in contract and so we are looking probably to take in players who will be with us until the end of the season.
“I won’t rule out anybody. I honestly don’t know if Ivan Sproule is available or not. But I wouldn’t rule out any player who might become available and interests us.”
As for the immediate task of facing champions Celtic, Adams believes the worst of the Glasgow giants’ stuttering home form is over. He believes the Champions League group stages took their toll on the league form of Neil Lennon’s side.
Adams said: “Celtic have been their own worst enemy at times this season at home. I think they have got over that and they secured a good result against St Mirren on Saturday.
“It is a difficult test for us. Celtic will be really hard opposition. They have had to come off Champions League games into SPL games and the players have had that high and come down to the low of playing an SPL team. That’s what can affect you. The fact they haven’t always earned results at home is probably more to Celtic’s fault than the opposition’s efforts.
“I think Celtic at home should be winning most of their games.”
County hope to have a fully fit squad for the trip, although a flu bug circulating has lent some uncertainty to the manager’s plans.
'Bring on Celtic!' says County star - inside this week's Ross-shire Journal.
