Ross County midfielder Tillson to learn from heavy defeat after giving away penalty against Celtic
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Jordan Tillson admits Saturday’s penalty kick giveaway against Celtic brought a salutary lesson on how to defend against international-class strikers.
The early setback was prelude to a thumping defeat despite impressive spells of play and a clutch of chances for the hosts.
But the English midfielder remains upbeat about Ross County’s prospects for the season with the 5-0 scoreline distorting the true balance of play against the champions.
Tillson is first to admit he remains on a sharp learning curve after venturing north to Dingwall from League Two Exeter City in January.
With coronavirus terminating last season prematurely in March, the 27-year-old can still count just nine starts at the top level north of the border.
After Odsonne Edouard’s one-two with James Forrest, Tillson’s slight touch to the Frenchman’s arm saw him dramatically crash to earth in after only a few minutes.
County impressed with possession and pressure, but failed to convert a clutch of chances – and saw Celtic punish defensive mistakes and slackness ruthlessly.
Overall, though, Tillson will take plenty of positives ahead of an away trip to
St Johnstone this weekend.
The tenacious midfielder said: “The penalty incident is definitely one to put down to experience. I’m learning against these big clubs that you can’t touch them in the penalty area.
“They are so clever and have internationals of great quality.
“I’m going to have to make sure it never happens again.
“I’m really enjoying it in Scotland and learning all the time. It is a different style of football to what I was used to in England, very full on and intense, but I’m enjoying playing games and building experience.
“We’re going to have to learn from what happened on Saturday and, hopefully, rectify those mistakes – but we’re in a good place and, if we keep playing the way we are, we will pick up points. It is just the way it has rolled for us at the moment, really.
“We’re still confident, with a real togetherness and some great characters in the squad. I think that shows in the performances.”
St Johnstone away pits County against a team they drew with in all three league meetings last season. With games against Aberdeen and Rangers next up, victory would be a huge boost.
Tillson added: “I haven’t played against St Johnstone yet, but I think it will be tough. They’re going to be a different test.
“Every game I’ve played in up here has been thoroughly competitive and any team can beat anyone on their day.
“I’ve really enjoyed the games so far and we’re looking for three points in Perth.
“We’ve got a tough run of fixtures coming up and we’re going to have to try to take points off these teams.”
Read the full edition of today's North Star here.
