‘Dhanda sale would be stupid!’ – says Ross County manager Malky Mackay
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MALKY Mackay says it would take silly money for Ross County to part with talisman Yan Dhanda.
Ahead of the transfer window closing at 11pm this evening, the Staggies’ boss was not even contemplating losing the former Liverpool and Swansea creative talent who has blossomed in the last year.
Settled and enjoying life in Dingwall, Dhanda is undoubtedly attracting interest from bigger clubs, but the 24-year-old seems in no rush to leave.
“It would genuinely take something extraordinary,” Mackay said.
“I’m not selling him, so that’s that. For that statement to change, it would have to be something stupid.
“The great thing is that Yan is enjoying it here, and you can see it. We talk every day and he is somebody who has changed dramatically in a positive sense from the player who first arrived here.
“He’s even more rounded now and has a lovely young family, a baby recently again. They have really adapted well into life in the Highlands.
“He is someone who is now adding parts to his game that he probably didn’t think he needed to, parts he didn’t have before. He is probably enjoying the longest run of senior men’s football he’s ever had.
“And he has someone who believes in him and that’s one of the big things. If someone believes in you, it takes you places sometimes you didn’t think you could go.
“I’m delighted for him and with the way he is affecting our team now, way more than when he arrived.”
In a week when we reported how past County player Ross Stewart could reap the club a £1.2 million share of an £8 million transfer from Sunderland to Southampton, or other suitors, giving Dhanda a platform to progress remains a natural process for Mackay.
“When I talk to players I want to lure to the club, we talk about the platform we can give – something good for the players and good for us,” he said.
“There are plenty who have been here for a period of time and gone on to bigger things.
“What you see is a terrific platform with a very well run, stable football club with great facilities and real solid ownership and senior management.”
Mackay, meanwhile, expects the toughest of tests away to in-form Kilmarnock but is looking to build on two positive Old Firm performances and victory over St Johnstone.
“Derek McInnes has put a good squad together, bringing in experience and making them tough and aggressive,” he said. “It’s going to be a difficult day, but we’re really looking forward to it.”
