Malky Mackay believes evidence shows Ross County can compete with Rangers as Ibrox giants come calling to Dingwall
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Malky Mackay, like any good detective, likes to base his theories on sound evidence – and sees enough to suggest Ross County can ask questions of Rangers tomorrow.
It doesn’t take a super-sleuth to recognise that both sides of the Old Firm are in flux early in the new campaign, with the Ibrox club bedding in new talents after a summer of upheaval.
Clues as to Mackay’s thinking ahead of the televised, near sell-out visit of Michael Beale’s team might well lie in how County approached the league opener at Celtic Park.
Forensic analysis of how and why that honourable 4-2 defeat unfolded as it did has already been presented to his players in video form.
“I’ve always tried to show them evidence – it is all very well me saying things, but showing them holds more value,” Mackay explained.
“We did that after the Celtic game, showing them the areas they were able to expose against one of the best teams in the country, but it is also about us being more clinical.
“That’s something we think we can be better at, no matter the opposition. We’ve got to try to be greedy and be better than we have been, but by the same measure we scored twice down at Parkhead and played well.
“We need to hold on to that fact going forward into Saturday.”
County’s 4-3 extra-time victory over a much-improved Airdrie side last weekend proved further evidence as to where Mackay feels his team are prospering and can improve.
The Dingwall visitors looked comfortable until the Diamonds hit back with two late goals to take the game to extra time. Eamonn Brophy’s 101st minute strike eventually sealed passage to a home quarter final against Aberdeen.
“Off the back of last week, a big positive was that calmness under pressure and that element of finding a way to win, being resilient – it stands us in good stead,” Mackay stressed.
“We’ve shown again we can score goals this season. That’s going to be needed in the Premiership, but front and centre of us we have Rangers on Saturday.
“It’s going to be tough and it is one we’re really looking forward to.
“We’re back at our place, live on television, off the back of watching Rangers on Tuesday night in quite a game against PSV. They were playing against a really good team and scored a couple of great goals.
“I know the threat that’s coming and I know they have strength in depth and could change players if needs be.”
Mackay, meanwhile, could have Will Nightingale and Yan Dhanda back in his squad to face Rangers at home.
