Ross County demands players ‘Show that character every week!’ after victory over Livingston as the prepare to face Dundee United.

MALKY Mackay reckons Ross County silenced their critics on character at the weekend – and is now seeking consistency.

There were question marks raised, rightfully in the County manager’s mind, about his players’ stomach for the fight in a cut-throat Premiership after last Tuesday’s thumping 5-0 defeat to Motherwell.

The extraordinary home beating might have crushed the Staggies for a trip to a venue where they hadn’t won in a decade. Instead, they left Livingston with three vital points.

Approaching a hugely important home test against joint bottom Dundee United tomorrow, Mackay said: “No-one is looking like being cut adrift, especially when you see the results – Kilmarnock have picked up four points and Dundee United six in the last two games. We also went down to Livingston and won for the first time in a decade.

“You underestimate any team at your peril. For any game, we need to get the fundamentals right, doing those basic things well.

“After that, we look for that little bit of quality that sets you apart from another team on any given day. We did that at Livingston and then found a little bit of quality with our goal.

“We battled. We won first and second contact. We knew we needed at times to be calm enough to pass the ball and withstand pressure at a stadium we’ve not won at for a period of time.

“I was delighted with the fact they showed real character, especially coming off the back of Tuesday night’s heavy defeat to Motherwell when, rightly so, it was questioned. The challenge now is consistency.”

With his side locked on eight points with United and Killie at the bottom, Mackay added: “Dundee United had financial backing this summer and there’s been an array of players coming into that football club.

“Eyebrows have been raised as to where they have been in the league so far, so I’ve no doubts it is a tough prospect for us at the weekend.”

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