New Ross County pair have points to prove as manager Don Cowie backs Gary Mackay-Steven to come good in Dingwall after stuttering start to 2025/26 season
Ross County manager Don Cowie believes both of his latest recruits are determined to give their all for the Staggies to help them get back into the Premiership.
Hours before Friday night’s defeat to St Johnstone, the signings of defender Alex Iacovitti and attacker James Scott were both confirmed from St Mirren.
Cowie had made no secret of his desire to add another defensive option, with Iacovitti’s permanent transfer ticking that box, while Scott joined on a season-long loan to bolster options in the final third.
Both men had frustrating campaigns with the Buddies last season, but Cowie thinks that has given each of them a point to prove in the Highlands across 2025/26.
“I’ve made no secret that centre back was an area we were looking at, and when we heard at the start of the week that Alex was a possibility I think everyone at the club thought the same – let’s make it happen,” Cowie said.
“He was very consistent over his three years here, and he was very enthusiastic to come back because he’s got good memories at the football club.
“James got a really good, big money move to Hull off the back of what he did at Motherwell at a young age.
“He had a few loan spells after that, and he hasn’t had as much game time as he would like at St Mirren.
“Everyone that I spoke to was very complimentary about him, and he has been frustrated by a lack of game time, so he wants to show everyone what he can do.”
Another summer signing who has had challenges to overcome early in his County tenure is Gary Mackay-Steven, who missed the bulk of pre-season through an injury sustained in the club’s first friendly against Strathspey Thistle.
The vastly experienced former Scotland international has started both of the Staggies’ opening Championship fixtures as he builds fitness levels back up, but was withdrawn at half time against the Perth Saints on Friday.
Cowie said there were no new injury concern, and backed Mackay-Steven to come good once he has fully regained match sharpness.
“We didn’t manager to get him in the game enough, and we needed to try and change the momentum in the second half,” Cowie reasoned.
“He also hasn’t played a lot of football, so we put James on and he was involved in a couple of really good things in the second half.
"Gary will certainly produce for this football club, we just have to get him up to speed.”