Highlands & Islands

Malky Mackay hopes his Ross County side benefit from some recent down time when they host St Mirren on Saturday.

The Staggies boss gave his players time off during the international break to refresh before another hectic period of games commence.

County are without a win in four games in all competitions and are second bottom of the Premiership, but Mackay is looking for a turnaround as they face five games in around a fortnight.

"They trained well, they trained hard and then we've given them a few days off," he said.

"I think the biggest thing for me is the actual mental side, to give a break mentally.

"It's a long, hard season and there's periods where there's a lot of games and then there's time off. It's important to allow them time to get away and draw breath.

"We are in each other's company a lot, the staff and the players are in the football club and the travelling and the overnight stays and the amount of games that come in a short space of time.

"So it's important that they do get time to get away from, probably me, but each other and get back to family and friends and get away from it for a couple of days because when you do come back then I want the reset button ready and their head is only on training and games.

"They get accustomed to it but I keep an eye on in terms of how fresh they are and how you look for signals to make sure that everything's still OK."

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Ross County remain without Josh Sims (leg wound) and Josh Reid (toe), while midfielders Ross Callachan and Ben Paton are still missing with long-term knee injuries.

St Mirren wing-back Ryan Strain is suspended following his red card against Rangers, while striker Jonah Ayunga continues to build up his fitness following a long-term knee problem.

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All SPFL clubs will show support of the Show Racism the Red Card’s match actions campaign at this weekend’s games.

Show Racism the Red Card is the UK’s leading anti-racism education charity, working within schools, workplaces, sports, and community organisations to educate children, young people, and adults on challenging prejudice and stereotypes.

Billy Singh, from Show Racism the Red Card, said: “We are delighted with the support for anti-racism that exists within Scottish football and are very proud of our upcoming match actions.

“However the work must continue, we call on our supporters to continue to challenge racism.

“It is a shared responsibility across the game, from dressing rooms to boardrooms, and from stadiums to social media, to ensure that an anti-racism ethos is maintained throughout the year."

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St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson says Ross County are packed with talent and as good as any side outwith the Old Firm.

Malky Mackay's County, who have gone four games in all competitions wihtout a win, face the Buddies in Dingwall on Saturday.

"They have some very good individuals,” said Robinson.

"Malky's teams are always well organised, they are a big threat from long throws and set-plays.

"They have signed a lot of talented players and it is fine margins in games that go your way or don't go your way.

"Some haven't gone Ross County's way this season so far, but certainly there is not a huge gap between the quality among any level in this division outwith maybe the top two."

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The SPPFL has reported record turnover and payments to clubs.

The latest SPFL accounts show a 6% rise in turnover to £41.9m, with fees to clubs going up by a similar amount to £31.7m.

Total distributions to clubs went up to £35.8m, in addition to the £2.6m net gate receipts distributed to the clubs in the last four of the Viaplay Cup.

Premiership clubs will also benefit from higher UEFA solidarity payments of £3.6m.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said: "Especially in light of the ongoing economic challenges, today's figures are testament to the continuing popularity of Scottish football and the growing demand from broadcasters and other partners."

The league recently announced that title sponsor cinch was taking up an option to end its five-year deal two years early at the end of this season.

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• Ross County have won their last two home league games against St Mirren. The Staggies have never previously won three in a row at home to the Buddies in the top flight.

• After their 1-0 win in February last season, St Mirren could pick up successive league victories over Ross County for the first time since October 2021 (run of four).

• Ross County have lost both of their last two league games by an aggregate score of 5-0; they last lost three straight league matches in March/April of last season, while they last did so without scoring in December 2020 (run of five – including a 0-2 home defeat to St Mirren).

• St Mirren are one of two sides (along with Celtic) yet to lose away from home in the Scottish Premiership this season (P4 W2 D2). The last side to avoid defeat in each of their opening five away games of a campaign in the competition was Hearts in 2021-22.

• St Mirren have a higher shot conversion rate (14.5%) than any side in this season’s Scottish Premiership, netting 11 goals from 76 shots. They have outscored their expected goals total by 2.6 in the competition this term (11 goals from 8.4 xG), also the highest of any side.

Alex Samuel pressed his case for a regular first-team starting place as he inspired Ross County's B team to a 3-0 win over Brora Rangers that secured a place in the North of Scotland Cup final.

The Welsh forward, who has only made five appearances this season, scored a hat-trick at Dudgeon Park against the side sitting eighth in the Highland League.

County will face Nairn County in the final after the side currently sitting 10th in the Highland League beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle B after a penalty shoot-out following a 2-2 draw.

Goals from two former County players - 44-year-old right-back Ross Tokely and 42-year-old player-manager Steven MacKay - had Nairn 2-0 up before a double from striker Harry Lodovica forced spot-kicks.

Ross County welcome St Mirren to Dingwall on Saturday as the Premiership returns following the international break.

After three straight losses, will Malky Mackay make any changes?

Put yourself in the manager's shoes and pick your starting XI here.

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Ross County return to action on Saturday for the first time in three weeks when they welcome St Mirren to Dingwall.

It’s been a longer international break than expected for Malky Mackay’s side. The trip to Dens Park to face Dundee prior to the international break was postponed, so the last County played in a competitive match was back on 30 September against Hearts.

Could Saturday be another example of a player returning to haunt his former club?

Eamonn Brophy and Jay Henderson both left St Mirren to join County on permanent deals in the Summer, and they’ll be eager to show the Paisley side what they’re missing out on.

Brophy is a natural goal scorer and after a tough summer recovering from an injury suffered at the end of last season during his initial loan spell in Dingwall, he’s fully fit once again and he’ll be desperate to grab his first Premiership goal of the season against his former employer.

Henderson’s had to be patient for his opportunity so far this season, but Malky’s been full of praise for the young winger’s work ethic and willingness to learn since his move to County. His quality and technical ability on the ball is excellent, and his dangerous deliveries into the box from wide areas could cause the St Mirren defence problems.

On the other hand, County fans will be well aware of a former player of their own returning on Saturday.

Former County captain Marcus Fraser spent five and a half years in Dingwall prior to his move to St Mirren in the Summer of 2020. Fraser’s scored on two of his previous visits to Dingwall since his move to the Buddies, and he’ll be keen to put one over his former club once again.

County have won the previous two meetings between the sides in Dingwall, and will be looking to make it three in a row on Saturday.