Pressure on Celtic ahead of Dingwall visit to Ross County
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CONNOR Randall reckons Ross County can thrive as underdogs in the top six – even against the Old Firm.
There will be huge pressure on league leaders Celtic, who County host in Sunday’s opening post-split fixture, as well as on pursuing Rangers, Glasgow derby victors in the Scottish Cup at the weekend.
For the Dingwall team, any pressure will be self-generated as they try to make club history by grasping Europa Conference League qualification with a top five finish.
County’s strong home form has been a huge feature of their success this season and Randall, relishing the resumption of action, said: “It’s an exciting time for us. We will be going into these games with confidence.
“We have got five big games, three at home. Our record here in Dingwall has been good, and we’ve obviously got the fans behind us as well which always helps.
“We can’t wait to get to Sunday. There will be pressure on Celtic and Rangers, no matter the fact they are very strong teams.
“In most games, we are the underdog. That doesn’t change anything for us against the Old Firm, and we will just prepare like we do for every game.
“Celtic is at home, and with the fans behind us we will go in with confidence.
"We will do everything we can to get ourselves a good result.”
Randall, while lauded for his form this season, was an unused substitute when Celtic won 2-1 in Dingwall back on December 15.
It was a cruel outcome for a Staggies side hurtling towards a share of the spoils before a 97th minute Anthony Ralston winger sparked a mini-pitch invasion among the visiting crowd.
Randall stressed: “We can take good points from that game. We took it to the very last kick of the ball, before they scored.
“I think we showed we can match them, but we will just be focused on it like every other game and prepare the same way we do.
“We will go and attack, and try to put our stamp on the game. It’s going to be a tough game, but it’s a very exciting time. Everyone is looking forward to it now.
The Liverpudlian has signed a new deal with County, and added: “It has been a feeling for a lot of the season within the club that it’s a good time to be here.
“We are all trying to push in the right direction, and get this club where we all think it should be.
“On a personal note, I’m delighted to be able to sign a new deal and keep myself here.
“It’s a very exciting time for the club, so hopefully that can continue until the end of the season.
“We are not there now though. We have another goal in sight, which is a massive one for the club. We all believe we can achieve that.”
