Striker on fire in front of goal as he aims to continue good form
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SIMON Murray is looking to maintain his blistering start in front of goal in the rest of the Viaplay Cup group stages and set himself up for a successful season in the Premiership.
The 31-year-old striker has been in great form in the first two group stage matches, scoring a hat-trick in the 5-1 win over Stranraer before scoring the winner in the 2-1 victory against Greenock Morton last Saturday.
Murray, who signed for Ross County from Queen’s Park during the January transfer window, says he is pleased with how he is warming up for the new Premiership season by finding the net in the Viaplay Cup group stages.
“It is important as a striker to get off to a good start,” said Murray speaking after the win over Morton.
“I am happy to work on the other part of my game which is holding up play and being a good team player as I know that the goals will come.
“But I am looking to just keep doing what I am doing and hopefully there will be a few more goals to come.”
Ross County have had success in the League Cup in the past, famously winning the 2015/16 competition when they defeated Hibernian 2-1 in the final at Hampden.
Murray says progression in the League Cup is important to Ross County and says everyone is determined to give themselves the best possible chance of being a seeded team in the last 16 by getting maximum points in the group.
“Every team outside the Old Firm sees this as one of their best chances of getting to Hampden.
“This competition is something that we can potentially do quite well in if we keep playing the way we are.”
Manager Malky Mackay is also impressed with the form of Murray saying he will play a vital part in Ross County’s fortunes this season.
He is also pleased with the attacking threat his team already possesses and believes they will do what is required to be effective in the Premiership.
Mackay said: “Simon Murray, before he arrived here, was an absolute goal machine at Queen’s Park.
“He is back up playing at Premiership level. He has to keep understanding the runs he makes, the nuances of Premiership football.
“He knows where the goal is. His running beyond causes problems for teams, as anyone running beyond will. To have Simon, Jordan White, Eamonn Brophy and Alex Samuel as a front four, I’m comfortable with that in our division.”
Murray says he hopes to continue his goal scoring streak at Edinburgh City tomorrow.
“We have to face two League One clubs and I have faced them both and we will not be taking anyone lightly, as it will be hard.”
