Duncan eager to end his barren spell at County
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
RUSSELL Duncan yesterday (Thursday) spelled out his determination to stay and fight for his future at Ross County – despite experiencing the most barren spell of involvement in his career.
The former Aberdeen and Caley Thistle midfielder has made just one start so far for the First Division leaders, accompanied by five substitute appearances, the last of which came in November.
While the 31-year-old admits to frustration, he has spoken to manager Derek Adams and received assurances he is part of County plans.
Duncan also recognises that a winning team, currently top of the league and 16 games unbeaten, is not one the manager will readily tinker with.
The Aberdonian was released at the end of last season by Caley Thistle after a decade's service and more than 350 appearances.
Unlike defender Grant Munro, who beat the same path to Dingwall last season, first team opportunities have been scarce.
Duncan said, "I've spoken to the manager and he has said he wants me here.
"He is happy with the way I've gone about my work, but obviously the boys in possession of the jerseys have been doing well.
"I did ask about the possibility of a loan spell away to get some game time because it can be hard in the winter with the lack of reserve matches.
"But I'm not going to say I'll do this or that. I want to play for Ross County and, hopefully, next season we will be in the Premier League.
"You never know in football what may be around the corner. I could get my chance and secure a good run of games in the team.
"I have never been in as bad a situation as this in my career in terms of time spent on the sidelines, but I have experienced similar scenarios.
"There have been spells where I haven't played much for a few months and all you can do is wait and be ready for the call. When it comes along, you've got to take the opportunity. I won't deny it has been frustrating for me. I'm the only player who has not started a first team game although I'm not alone in terms of having to be patient.
"Even when you know deep down you are not likely to be involved, you have to be ready and fully-prepared just in case."
Duncan admits professional pride drives him on – and still believes he can win a regular slot.
He said, "It is hard for the manager when the team is top of the league and on a long, unbeaten run.
"You are fighting all the time to impress in training. It's self-pride, really, and you want to plant a seed in the manager's head. I signed a two-year deal and I want to play for Ross County. I'm not looking too much further ahead. Hopefully, I can offer something to the team in terms of experience."
Duncan, who has twice helped Caley Thistle win the First Division, is convinced Ross County are equipped to make a similar leap.
He added, "There is a very good squad here but we know there is a long, long way to go. We are only halfway through the season.
"But if we can win the league, I think we can hit the ground running.
"Obviously Michael Gardyne is leaving in the summer, but I always feel you have to add a couple of players anyway when you go up a league.
"But if we can win the league, we certainly have enough ability at the club to do what teams like St Mirren and St Johnstone have done after promotion."
Duncan will hope to be on the bench this weekend with fellow midfielder Paul Lawson suspended. Rocco Quinn and Stuart Kettlewell might be expected to command the central midfield berths in Lawson's absence.
Manager Derek Adams is also without defenders Marc Fitzpatrick and Johnny Flynn through injury.
Adams, certainly, is backing the players who have played the biggest part in a fine first half of the season to continue the good form.
He said, "We're just concentrating on the first 11 just now. The ones in possession of the shirts just now are playing." After last weekend's postponement against Morton, Adams is optimistic the pitch will be fine for tomorrow's visit of Livingston.
Every County victory, now, can crank up the pressure on the chasing pack. Adams said, "We have Livingston on Saturday and we’re at home. We want to try and move our points total on.
"We're in a positive frame of mind and on a very good run in the league. We hope to continue that."
"Livingston have some good players but we have been fortunate enough to win and draw against them so far this season.
"Mark Fotheringham, the former Celtic lad, didn't play last week, but he is an excellent player and definitely one we will have to watch out for.
"The young lad Marc McNulty is a also good striker and one with a bright future. So there is a lot of quality in their side, but we are at home and in confident mood. We're looking forward to it."
Fixtures, Saturday, January 28 – Hamilton v Raith Rovers; Queen of South v Morton; Ross County v Livingston.
