Ross County manager Don Cowie ready to test his side against Hibernian squad with bags of quality in Dingwall during next round of Scottish Premiership matches
Ross County manager Don Cowie insists the quality of next opponents Hibernian’s squad has never been in question.
Back then, County sat above Hibs in the Premiership table, but after a good run of form the Easter Road side have risen into the top half of the table while the Staggies are 10th – only one point above the relegation play-off zone.
Defeating County was the first of a seven-match unbeaten run for the Hibees which has included five victories.
After a very slow start to the campaign, Cowie believes the visitors to Dingwall this weekend are showing their true level, insisting they are only growing stronger with players returning from injury.
“I think everyone could see from afar the quality they’ve got individually and collectively,” he said.
“Confidence is a big thing in sport, and there were a lot of games where they were probably having the upper hand in the match but falling on the wrong end of the result.
“It’s not dissimilar to us not being able to win away from home – you get that one victory and it can change the mindset, and the belief.
“That’s what Hibs have done. They are in really good form, and for me it’s a reflection of how strong their squad is.
“I saw their squad at the weekend, and you see the players who are now coming back from injury, and it looks very healthy.”
Despite their position in the league table, County have not been on a bad run in Premiership action themselves.
Taking a total of 10 points from their last five matches saw the Staggies end their 15-month long winless run on the road.
Both sides, then, appear to have found a level of consistency in the league that will have them looking up the table at what could still be achieved this season, rather than over their shoulders.
“It’s an important game, like they all are now at this stage,” Cowie reasoned.
“They are a team in really good form, so I’m sure they will travel with a big away support. When teams like Hibs are in good form, the fans embrace that.
“There are aspects of (the last match between the two teams) we can look back on. Since then, Hibs have been very consistent with their shape.
“Since beating us that day they have really kicked on. I think they have lost one in 11, so it shows how well they have progressed in that time.
“Martin Boyle has really ignited his season in the last six to eight weeks. He is scoring goals, and performing like we all know he is capable of doing.
“They have found a system they are very comfortable in, with really good attacking wing-backs which allows them to play on the front foot.
“Despite the disappointment and frustration from Saturday against Livingston, we were in really good form in the league too, so we need to try and maintain that.”
County’s task will not be made any easier by the absence of Nohan Kenneh, who is ineligible to face his parent club, and Jack Grieves who is recovering from a head knock sustained against Livingston last weekend.