Ross County winger ready to ‘damage’ defences after fitness fight
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MALKY Mackay is confident Ross County’s faith in Josh Sims will be repaid handsomely this season after watching him “damage” defences.
The Staggies manager recruited the ex-Southampton attacker in February last year fully aware of the devastating health issues that had set back his elite level career.
With patience and care in Dingwall, the former England youth international has battled back from serious stomach and heart issues – ulcerative colitis, myocarditis and pericarditis – and rebuilt fitness and form.
Rated as an outstanding talent in his youth, Sims played 20 English Premier League games for Saints. With County, his class has been apparent with increasing consistency.
The 26-year-old has been on fire early in the new season, although he missed a couple of sitters against St Johnstone.
“I take a lot of satisfaction from Josh’s form now,” Mackay said. “He has a hell of a pedigree. Without his health and injury issues, we wouldn’t have got him.
“He had a dreadful period in his life in terms of health and it took a fair bit of time to get back to what he can do.
“I feel he is getting there now, towards the level he was at when leaving Southampton for New York.
“He’s very popular in the squad – a bright lad and very witty – and is a real team player.
“He is showing up in games and causing real damage.
“He knows he should have scored a couple of goals on Saturday and he’s angry at that.
“It comes back to consistency, but in any given game he is capable of a little moment of magic.”
County head to Airdrie tomorrow in the first knock-out stage of the League Cup.
