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Super substitute from Birmingham City hailed by Ross County manager


By Andrew Henderson

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Ross County manager John Hughes paid tribute to Charlie Lakin after the loanee scored the winning goal against Hamilton on Wednesday night.

Picture - Ken Macpherson, Inverness. Ross County(1) v Hamilton(2). 12.05.21. Ross County's Charlie Lakin hits a superb shot from just outside the box to score the winning goal.
Picture - Ken Macpherson, Inverness. Ross County(1) v Hamilton(2). 12.05.21. Ross County's Charlie Lakin hits a superb shot from just outside the box to score the winning goal.

The 22-year-old replaced the injured Leo Hjelde at left back – a position he had previously filled for the Staggies, albeit not his favoured role in the side.

It proved to be an important attacking upgrade though, as the first time Lakin found himself in the Accies third just minutes after coming on he picked out the bottom corner past Kyle Gourlay.

Lakin has not played 90 minutes since the win over Celtic towards the end of February, but after starting County’s last two matches on the bench, Hughes praised his professionalism when not an automatic pick.

“Charlie Lakin found himself out of the team, and trained like a Trojan,” Hughes insisted.

“He came on in the last few minutes against Dundee United last week and he was the first I spoke to after the game because I felt his application was immense.

“Toys weren’t thrown out of the pram, he supported his team-mates.

“He’s come on and become the hero against Hamilton, getting the winner – I’m absolutely delighted.

“I just hope come Sunday we have another hero.”

County are not quite safe from any danger of relegation, as Kilmarnock – currently in the play-off spot – can still overtake them on goal difference.

Hughes, though, will be looking for a repeat performance against Motherwell on Sunday to secure another season of Premiership football.

“It will not be too far away from how we play on Sunday and we’ll see where it takes us,” the Staggies manager reasoned.

“I’m very confident. I just wish I was playing, to tell the truth. Right in that battle, right up for it.

“These boys have given everything since I’ve come in – I’ve had a great response – and you just want them to succeed.”


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