Ross County face a lengthy wait to get former West Brom and Oxford City defender George Harmon back fit after Dundee injury blow
George Harmon is facing a lengthy injury lay-off despite Ross County deciding to seek a second opinion on the young defender’s injured ankle.
The former West Brom and Oxford City left-back hobbled off in the 2-0 victory over Dundee 10 days ago.
It was hoped a scan would show the injury was not as bad as feared, but Cowie warned the 23-year-old would be out for “an extended spell” whether or not he required an operation.
With ex-Coventry City left-back Josh Reid recovering from a lesser bone bruising injury, Cowie admits he is relieved he brought in versatile Everton loanee Eli Campbell just before the transfer window closed.
Campbell has stepped in to the wing-back role seamlessly in his first two home appearances for the Dingwall team.
The Staggies manager said: “George will be out for an extended period of time now.
“We’ll be getting a second opinion later this week.
“It could be something that needs surgery or it could be one that needs a bit more considerate management of it in terms of his recovery.
“I don’t know exactly the timescale, but it looks like it will be for an extended period of time regardless of which way it is treated.
“Josh Reid is potentially out until after the international break (St Johnstone away Oct 19).
“We’ve had the results on him. It is nothing too serious, but naturally it is disappointing to have the two of them out at the same time - it doesn’t happen very often.
“At the same time, it shows the importance of getting Eli Campbell into the club.
“He is still very young and inexperienced in terms of first team football, but in the last two games he has done extremely well, while not playing in his natural position.
“He has given the team real balance and been very valuable in the last couple of matches.”
Malky Mackay signing Harmon has quickly developed into a valuable asset for County, playing a big part in back-to-back survival success in the Premiership play-offs.
Cowie said: “I can’t speak highly enough of George in terms of the way he conducts himself daily – the way he trains and the intensity he trains at.
“We have had a really good battle between him and Josh over the last 12 to 14 months. They have been fighting for that position in the team.
“It’s a really healthy competition between the two of them, and there’s that respect for each other.
“They recognise what they each bring to the team, and they support each other really well.
“For them to both be out at the same time is really disappointing.
“Josh has had to be really patient this season, and at the time George gets injured he has actually got an injury as well.
“But in terms of George’s progression, coming from part-time football into the top league in Scotland and playing every week, I believe there’s still even more to come from him.
“He is really starting to impact games for us.”
