Ross County striker Ronan Hale backing himself to be a success in Dingwall after spectacular debut goal for Staggies at Hamilton
Ronan Hale announced himself to Ross County supporters in spectacular fashion by scoring on debut – and the 25-year-old is backing himself to be a success in Dingwall.
Having been suspended when initially moving over from Cliftonville in Northern Ireland, Hale had to wait until the trip to Hamilton Academical on Tuesday evening to make his first appearance for the Staggies.
It did not take him long to open his account in Scotland either, scoring with an audacious flick midway through the first half.
Really, Hale has picked up exactly where he left off across the sea, having scored twice in extra time on his final appearance for his former club as Cliftonville lifted the Irish Cup.
Now that he is officially up and running in the Highlands, then, he is looking to continue scoring with just as much regularity for County.
“I back myself to score goals anywhere – that’s what strikers do,” Hale explained.
“It’s one of those where it’s an exciting project that I’ve been told about, and I’m really looking forward to getting going.
“It’s been a crazy couple of months between the Irish Cup, my daughter, getting engaged then the move. I’m hoping my luck won’t run out any time soon.
“I’ve loved it so far. I was suspended for last weekend, but it gave me a chance to get to know the boys with a full week of training under my belt.
“I played 45 minutes against Hamilton, and got a goal under my belt, so it has worked out well so far and long may it continue.
“It was good to get a goal on debut, but it was all about getting three points tonight and staying top of the group.”
Hale’s form in Northern Ireland already reportedly had him on the radar of national team boss Michael O’Neill, and he is aware that strong form for Ross County would keep him in contention if that is the route the former Republic of Ireland youth international chooses to go down.
“I’ve only heard rumours of Michael O’Neill wanting me to play for Northern Ireland, so that’s something we would need to talk about,” Hale added.
“I want to focus on starting my career at Ross County, but I never played for the senior Republic team so that option is still on the table.
“I’m sure Michael will be watching a few games, and if it’s the right opportunity we’ll talk about it, but first and foremost I want to get going with Ross County.
“I must be doing something right if an international boss is looking at me. Everyone dreams of playing international football, so it’s really interesting, but I have to do the business at club level first and see where it takes me.”
