Ross County must work hard to get result against simple, but effective St Mirren in Dingwall says manager Don Cowie

Don Cowie believes hard work will need to be at the core of everything Ross County do this weekend if they are to get a positive result against St Mirren.

The Staggies welcome the Paisley outfit, sitting just inside the top half of the Premiership table, to Dingwall this Saturday.

Matches between the two teams are generally hard-fought affairs, with just one of their 10 encounters since the start of the 2021/22 campaign having been decided by more than a single goal.

Cowie is expecting a similar battle in the Highlands this Saturday, saying he is well aware of the threats St Mirren pose but also showing confidence that County can stand up to the challenge they face.

"St Mirren are a consistent team that have done really well over the last few years,” Cowie said.

"It is a challenging game, but we have been really strong in terms of home results. That gives us real belief, but we will have to play really well to get three points.

"Toyosi Olusanya didn't start for them last weekend, but he has real pace, scores lots of goals, and is in a really good moment.

"St Mirren don't complicate it. They play with wingbacks and service the box at every opportunity. They have to defend your box very well against them.

"They are also strong from set-plays, with the physicality they have got. They pose a lot of questions.

"You have got to roll your sleeves up and be prepared for what's coming.

"Last month in Paisley we stood up to that, especially in the first half, and we grew into the game. We looked threatening in terms of potentially finding a winner, so defending your box and carrying a threat at the other end is key.”

While much has been made this season of Ross County’s away form, their record in Dingwall continues to be strong under Don Cowie.

That shows the Staggies are capable of beating teams in the Premiership, but for some reason that consistency week-to-week is not there.

What makes it all the more frustrating for Cowie and his coaching staff is that there have been suggestions of impressive performances on the road, but those have not been converted into points often enough.

"Consistency is not just over a period of time of weeks or months,” he stressed.

“It is within a game too. For 45 minutes last Saturday, we did exactly what I has asked of the team. We were playing very well and leading 1-0.

"We were comfortable, but then shot ourselves in the foot. We gifted Hibs three goals and they won the game.

"That's what I mean in terms of consistency with our decision-making.”

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