Chalmers feels ready for Premiership with Ross County
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Joe Chalmers feels the 2-0 win over Carlisle United last Saturday had more of a competitive edge to it than Ross County’s other pre-season friendlies.
The Staggies had already completed their Betfred Cup group campaign with four wins out of four ahead of the exhibition match, but still triumphed thanks to goals from Simon Power and Iain Vigurs.
It was also Carlisle’s last friendly before they start their English League Two season.
So with both sides making their final preparations, Chalmers insists it was a match that was played at a high tempo with a good level of intensity.
“It’s competitive football, and the friendlies are different, but I thought this game was played at a good pace,” Chalmers said.
“Both teams gave 100 per cent, so it did have a competitive edge to it.
“Playing against Carlisle, you’re playing against different faces, a different way of playing.
“It was an enjoyable game, and I think we got out of it what we wanted.”
Chalmers has been a mainstay of the County side in the early part of the season, as one of six outfield players to appear in all four of the club’s Betfred Cup group games.
But he is taking nothing for granted going into Saturday’s opening league match at home to Hamilton Academical.
“It’s good to get that game time over pre-season and it helps you get up to speed, but moving on to Saturday you still need to earn your place,” he explained.
“This is a big week in training coming up, so I just need to turn up and see.
“It’s exciting, everybody is always buzzing and looking forward to it.
“There’s an excitement about the place, so I’m really looking forward and it’s going to be exciting.”
Chalmers was the first signing of the summer in Dingwall, joining from Caley Thistle, and it seems to have gone seamlessly so far.
He added: “The move has been pretty smooth for me. Obviously I knew a few of the boys, and not having to move house or anything like that has helped.
“I’m still picking up wee things, but it has been a good pre-season, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot about the boys and the way the managers want us to play.
“The stress of moving to a new team hasn’t been there. I’ve been able to completely concentrate on my football.”
