Ross County manager Don Cowie not concerned about Premiership standing as match against St Mirren presents chance for Staggies to close gap to top six
Ross County manager Don Cowie says he is not concerned about the club being in a relegation battle for the third year in-a-row in the Scottish Premiership.
The Staggies slipped down to 10th in the table after last weekend’s defeat to Hibernian, who leapfrogged the Dingwall outfit.
They sit just two points ahead of Hearts, who are bottom of the table, as they bid to avoid falling into the bottom two once again after winning relegation play-offs in each of the last two campaigns.
Cowie, though, is not worried about the situation with half of the season still to play, pointing to how quickly County can – on paper – catch the teams above them and even begin challenging for the top six if results go their way.
"I'm not concerned – I understand the competitiveness and challenges of this league,” he reasoned.
"We're in a position in the league that is very tight. Our last three results have been disappointing, but we know just one victory can change where you are in the table.
"We have looked at the areas we were disappointed with on Saturday, now the full focus is on St Mirren and we're striving for three points.
"We're also not far from the top six. We recognise where we are.
"We want to improve, but there are massive things we can achieve if we can more consistent in terms of pushing up the table.
"That comes down to us. Words are nothing – actions speak louder. Saturday is a good opportunity to do that.”
If County are going to push up the table in the second half of the season, games like this Saturday’s are the kind they need to be winning – both to build their own momentum and reel other sides in closer to them.
There is still plenty of time for the picture to change, but the Staggies cannot afford to give others too much of a headstart in the meantime.
"You must take advantage and win games of football,” Cowie added.
"If you don't, then you will be the team to drop to the bottom of the league.
"This is a tough game, but also an opportunity. Getting three points has a massive impact.
"St Mirren are six points clear of us, but if we win, it is down to three points and you then drag them closer.
"That's what is available but we have to do it.”
