Ross County and Dundee could turn to Ricki Lamie and Simon Murray for crucial insider information ahead of Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Premiership clash
Don Cowie believes Ross County and Dundee will both seek to capitalise on insider information for Saturday’s Dingwall showdown.
There are spies in both camps with knowledge of the opposition given striker Simon Murray’s departure to Dens Park and defender Ricki Lamie’s move in the opposite direction.
Cowie knows that gleaning the smallest advantage could make a difference to fine margins at play as County try to secure a first Premiership victory of the season against last term’s top six finishers.
“You have to try and gain any advantage you can in terms of the opposition,” the Staggies manager said.
“In general now, in football, there’s not many secrets. There are so many platforms where you can watch highlights and the details of the opposition.
“Naturally, though, when you have someone in the building who was at that club last year, you have conversations to eke out even more information, anything that can give you that best opportunity to win the game.”
Dundee paid an undisclosed fee for Murray this summer as he ended a rollercoaster 18 months under Malky Mackay, Derek Adams and Cowie.
Last season’s 23-goal haul in 46 matches made him a prized asset at 32 years old, valued for his boundless energy and willing running, as well as goals.
It is probably unsurprising that County, early on this season, have found hitting the net more difficult in his absence.
Cowie said: “We appreciate what Simon did for us as a football club last season, but at the same time, Ross County was really good for Simon.
"I’m certain he would speak really positively about his time here. He was not desperate to leave here, it was more for family reasons.
"We were patient in helping him with that and it was up to a club to come up with the right figure to make that happen. Fair play to Dundee, they did that.
"Dundee is where he's from and he's started the season really well on the back of a great season with us last year.”
One benefit for County’s players is having trained and played with Murray, although new additions such as defenders Kacper Łopata and Akil Wright will need a briefing.
“Actually, quite a few of our defenders haven’t actually faced Simon in terms of what he brings to the game, but we’ll certainly let the new boys know what he’s all about,” Cowie said.
“He’s a real threat, someone who is playing with real confidence on the back of a very good season with us.
“We need to be ready for that. We know the things he enjoys doing and that transition. He looks for space and wants to attack at every opportunity.
“We’re going to have to be on our guard to stop that.”
As for Dundee under manager Tony Docherty, Cowie expects an open, attacking approach from a team that has scored nine and conceded seven times so far in the league.
"Dundee had an excellent season last year and they have followed that on with a really strong start,” he said.
"Tony has done a fantastic job since he has gone in. They have recruited really well and signed very good players.
“They carry threats but are good defensively. It will be a real challenge but one we're looking forward to.”
Will Nightingale is a doubt, Lamie is still injured, but midfielder Max Sheaf is back in full training after a thigh problem that has kept him out since the Rangers clash back in April.
