Ross County

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  1. Put your County questions to Tom Englishpublished at 17:10 BST 9 October 2024

    have your say graphic

    What would you like to ask Tom English about Ross County?

    Our chief sportswriter is in the hotseat ready to answer your questions and offer his insight and opinion on your club.

    Who has been the top performer so far? Is the manager living up to expectations?

    Put your questions to Tom here, external.

  2. 'Hale shows real nerve to step up again for pressure penalty'published at 15:57 BST 9 October 2024

    Media caption,

    Sportscene pundits Niall McGinn and Cammy Bell assess Ross County's penalty drama in their 2-1 defeat against Celtic.

    (Available to UK users only)

  3. 'A moment of bad luck & controversy cost County a historic result'published at 14:58 BST 8 October 2024

    Ross Morren
    Fan writer

    Ross County fan's voice graphic

    Ross County fans were hoping their side could capitalise on a potential European hangover from Celtic in Dingwall on Sunday.

    The early signs were very promising. Celtic looked sluggish in possession and didn't offer a creative outlet in the final third against a County defence who were quick to limit space and were a match to any threats the away side had to offer.

    At the other end, Don Cowie's side took a shock lead thanks to Ronan Hale's penalty. Hale showed real character to pick the same corner after his initial penalty was saved by Kasper Schmeichel, who was judged to have been off his line when Hale made contact with the ball, prompting a retake.

    Celtic seemed to be running out of ideas and the County backline looked impenetrable. However, going into the final 15 minutes, a stroke of bad luck and then a moment of controversy cost County a historic result.

    On another day, Callum McGregor's volley could have deflected off Alistair Johnston and gone high and wide. Unfortunately, it flew into the net to give Celtic a lifeline.

    Everyone associated with the Staggies was then bemused with Kevin Clancy's decision to award a free-kick for challenge on Luke McCowan halfway inside the Celtic half. The frustration at the standard of officiating was growing as the match went on and stonewall fouls on County players were being waved away

    That feeling then turned to anger as Celtic took the free-kick quickly and, two passes later, Nicolas Kuhn was played through on goal to score the winner on what was probably the only occasion Celtic carved open the resolute County defence.

    County deserve a lot of credit for pushing Celtic right to the end. Connor Randall and Josh Nisbet were outstanding up against Reo Hatate and Arne Engels, who really struggled to have any influence, while Kacper Lopata had Adam Idah in his back pocket.

    Cowie will take plenty of positives from this performance as well as the previous three matches and hope to continue County's recent momentum on the other side of the international break.

    Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external

  4. 'I think we've got a squad that could surprise the league'published at 15:04 BST 7 October 2024

    Your views

    County fans, we asked for your thoughts after Sunday's narrow defeat to Celtic.

    Here's what some of you had to say:

    Graham: A really strong and positive performance. Well organised, good support play and a great team effort. Very happy with the players who Don Cowie is getting the best of.

    Ron: An excellent team performance that illustrated to Brendan Rogers how to set up against a vastly superior side. The half-time stats were astonishing - County had only 20% possession but five shots on target compared to Celtic's one. A soft foul given in midfield followed by an uncharacteristic loss of shape undid us for the winner but no shame in the result.

    Mike: I haven't seen a better performance from Ross County for a long time, the manager has had a huge influence on the squad when you play a team like Celtic. Sunday afternoon was a joy even though it was a defeat. I think we've got a squad that could surprise the league. Maybe top six or Europe next year, who knows? I can cross my fingers but every team beware!

  5. County's Randall named in TOTWpublished at 13:22 BST 7 October 2024

    Jonathan Sutherland
    Sportscene presenter

    TOTW graphic

    Tenacity personified, Connor Randall is the gritty heartbeat of this Ross County side.

    He is always snapping away, making tackles, making blocks. It could well be another tough season for County but with a battler like Randall they have a chance.

  6. Ross County 1-2 Celtic: Key statspublished at 10:06 BST 7 October 2024

    Ross County v CelticImage source, SNS
    • Ross County have lost 7 points from winning positions in the Premiership this season, no team has lost more.

    • Ross County have lost a home game after leading at half time in the Premiership for the first time since 17th December 2022 against St. Johnstone (10 games without defeat).

    • Celtic have scored in their last 16 games in the Premiership, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of 27 games from 1st October 2022 to 7th May 2023.

    • Celtic have won their last 13 games in the Premiership, their last longer winning streak was from 24th September 2016 to 1st March 2017, a run of 22 games.

  7. Ross County 1-2 Celtic: Highlightspublished at 09:50 BST 7 October 2024

    Media caption,

    Watch highlights of Celtic's Scottish Premiership win against Ross County.

    Available to UK users only.

  8. Cowie complains about Celtic's late winnerpublished at 08:43 BST 7 October 2024

    Ross County boss Don Cowie claims Celtic should never have been awarded a free-kick in the build-up to Nicolas Kuhn's late winner in Dingwall. (Football Scotland), external

    Read the rest of Monday's Scottish gossip.

    Scottish gossip
  9. Ross County 1-2 Celtic: Have your saypublished at 15:51 BST 6 October 2024

    Have your say

    County tried with all their might, but Celtic eventually came up with the goods after a robust showing from Don Cowie's side.

    Whether you were at the game or watching elsewhere, we want to hear from you.

    Give us your thoughts on the game here., external

  10. Ross County 1-2 Celtic: What did the manager say?published at 15:32 BST 6 October 2024

    Don CowieImage source, SNS

    Ross County manager Don Cowie tells BBC Scotland: "It's disappointing against anyone when you put that much effort in. I still see plenty of positives.

    "We're playing against a massive team with a massive budget compared to what we have. How do we compete against that? It's about good organisation and working hard, and I saw that in abundance. I'm disappointed for the group but really proud of them."

    "When you come away with nothing and you see no reward, it's sore. It's up to me to remind them of how good they were as a unit. It's something we've worked hard on, tightening up at the back and in the last few weeks I've seen an improvement."

  11. Ross County 1-2 Celtic: Analysispublished at 15:28 BST 6 October 2024

    Amy Canavan
    BBC Sport Scotland

    Ross County payersImage source, SNS

    It’s the old cliche, but County’s season won’t be defined by results against Celtic and Rangers. Instead, they must look at their own performance.

    Don Cowie's side made it stuffy and uncomfortable for Celtic, who until they made changes, failed to carve them open or even remotely test goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw.

    The County midfield didn't allow their visitors to find their usual rhythm and Connor Randall and Elijah Campbell impressed in cutting out any danger.

    In second half, when you'd expect Celtic to throw all their might, muscle and money at it, Jordan White worked tirelessly to act as an out for the hard-working defence and midfield.

    Which is why the winner will hurt County so dearly. Down at their corner flag, Celtic recovered possession and made their way up the park in an instant.

    County have now lost seven points from winning positions this season, more than any other Premiership side. That is something they must address.

    But it was an afternoon were Cowie's side made Dingwall almost as daunting as Dortmund for Celtic, and there's plenty to take from that.

  12. Ross County 1-2 Celtic: Who impressed?published at 15:01 BST 6 October 2024

    Connor Randall was a colossus in front of the Ross County defence and blocked ball after ball and attack after attack.

    Alistair Johnston and Connor RandallImage source, SNS

  13. Ross County v Celtic: Team newspublished at 19:14 BST 5 October 2024

    Ross County's Victor Loturi and Celtic's Callum McGregor Image source, SNS

    Ross County hope to have Josh Reid back in contention after the left-back missed the last three matches through injury.

    Will Nightingale, an unused sub last weekend, drops out and joins fellow defenders George Harmon (ankle) and Ricki Lamie (Achilles) on the sidelines.

    Celtic will be missing injured defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers (toe) and Greg Taylor (calf).

  14. Who have County brought in & let go this summer?published at 02:16 BST 5 October 2024

    Ins and outs logo
    Ross County banner

    In: Ronan Hale, forward (Cliftonville, undisclosed); Joshua Nisbet, (Central Coast Mariners); Ricki Lamie, defender (Motherwell); Jack Hamilton, goalkeeper (Livingston); Charlie Telfer, midfielder (Airdrieonians); Noah Chilvers, midfielder (Colchester United, undisclosed); Akil Wright, defender (Stockport County, undisclosed).

    Loan in: Eli Campbell, defender (Everton); Aidan Denholm, midfielder (Heart of Midlothian); Kacper Lopata, defender (Barnsley); Jack Grieves, midfielder (Watford); Will Nightingale, defender (Wimbledon).

    Out: Simon Murray, forward (Dundee, undisclosed); Jack Baldwin, defender (Northampton Town, undisclosed); Yan Dhanda, midfielder (Hearts); Ross Callachan, midfielder (Motherwell); Kyle Turner, midfielder (Partick Thistle); Josh Sims, midfielder (Yeovil Town); Adam Mackinnon, midfielder (Inverness Caledonian Thistle); Jordan Tillson, midfielder (Bath City); Matthew Wright, forward (Nairn County); Adam Mackinnon, midfielder.

    Loan ended: Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, defender (Slask Wroclaw); George Wickens, goalkeeper (Fulham); Eli King, midfielder (Cardiff City); Brandon Khela, midfielder (Birmingham City); Loick Ayina, defender (Huddersfield Town); Teddy Jenks, midfielder (Forest Green Rovers).

    Loan out: Jay Henderson, midfielder (Ayr United); Dylan Smith, defender (Arbroath); Connall Ewan, defender (Inverness Caledonian Thistle); George Robeston, forward (Brora Rangers); Andrew Macleod, midfielder (Brora Rangers); Calum Brown, forward (Forres Mechanics); Alister Morrison. defender (Nairn County).

    Read Scottish Premiership ins & outs in full here.

  15. Cowie looks to hurt Celtic at homepublished at 19:03 BST 4 October 2024

    Ross County manager Don Cowie Image source, PA

    Ross County manager Don Cowie is challenging his players to find a way to hurt Celtic in their Scottish Premiership match in Dingwall on Sunday.

    It's three and half years since County's last home win over their visitors, a 1-0 win behind closed doors due to Covid, with Jordan White netting that winner.

    But Cowie believes his side can build on their solidity of late and cause problems for Brendan Rodgers' side.

    "Our defensive structure has been really good," he told BBC Scotland.

    "We've been scoring goals and it's trying to put both of them things together in the same match.

    "Every team has certain weaknesses that you've got to try and exploit. Not that Celtic have many, but that's the question that we're posing the players.

    "How do we hurt them going the other way?"

    Domestically, Celtic have been flying but come into this after a 7-1 Champions League humbling at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

    In the Premiership they have won all six fixtures, scoring 20 goals and are yet to concede.

    "They've been outstanding in the league so far," Cowie continued.

    "[It] was probably their their first blip of the season, but it's very easily done in terms of the quality they're coming up against. Borussia Dortmund were Champions League finalists last year.

    "The concentration levels have to be at a top level you know because they they pose many questions of you in terms of what they have on the pitch.

    "At the same time always trying to be a threat going the opposite way.

    "We've been that, especially here at home."

  16. Celtic & Rangers Euro defeats 'a taste of their own medicine'published at 13:24 BST 4 October 2024

    Media caption,

    Celtic & Rangers Euro defeats 'a taste of their own medicine'

    Former Hearts, Dundee United and St Johnstone defender Ryan McGowan says non-Old Firm fans will have enjoyed Celtic and Rangers being given a "taste of their own medicine" by "taking a pasting" in Europe against teams with a bigger budget.

    Listen and subscribe to the Scottish Football Podcast on BBC Sounds

  17. Player to watch: Ronan Halepublished at 10:54 BST 4 October 2024

    Premiership picks

    Ross County were denied a famous win at Tynecastle last weekend as Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland headed an equaliser deep into stoppage time.

    County had led through Ronan Hale's sumptuous strike - his sixth goal in 10 games this season.

    But, in Celtic, the Dingwall side and Hale are up against a team yet to concede a Premiership goal all season, though they did lose 7-1 to Champions League opponents Borussia Dortmund in midweek.

    County's Hale, 26, could bolster his burgeoning reputation by finding the net.

    Read all the weekend Premiership picks

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  18. County appoint Money as football development directorpublished at 19:13 BST 3 October 2024

    Campbell MoneyImage source, SNS

    Campbell Money has joined Ross County as their new football development director.

    The 64-year-old former St Mirren goalkeeper moves to Dingwall after more than a decade's service as Club Academy Scotland manager at the Scottish FA.

    Money will be responsible for County’s academy, transition group and the women’s first team.

    "We are delighted to have Campbell on board," said County CEO Steven Ferguson.

    "He brings a wealth of experience to the club with his past roles in playing, coaching, managing and most recently in the development side of the game.

    "He will work closely with our already established academy and women's departments as we look to expand and grow both of these."

  19. Ross County v Celtic: Pick of the statspublished at 14:11 BST 3 October 2024

    Ross County v Celtic: Pick of the statsImage source, SNS
    • Ross County have lost each of their last 11 meetings with Celtic in all competitions since a 1-0 win in February 2021.

    • Celtic have lost just one of their last 17 away games against Ross County in all competitions (W14 D2), winning their last six in a row.

    • Ross County have only secured one win in their last 10 league games (D6 L3), a 2-0 victory over Dundee in September.

    • Celtic have won all six of their league games this season without conceding; the Hoops have never won their opening seven league matches of a campaign while also keeping a clean sheet each time before.

    • Callum McGregor has scored four goals in Celtic's last five league games, as many as his previous 48 Scottish Premiership appearances beforehand combined. McGregor last netted more than four goals in a single campaign in the division in 2019-20 (9).

  20. Macleod joins Brora Rangers on loanpublished at 14:10 BST 3 October 2024

    Andrew MacleodImage source, SNS

    Ross County midfielder Andrew Macleod has joined Brora Rangers on a season-long loan.

    The 19-year-old has had loan spells with Nairn County, Clachnacuddin and Brora Rangers previously.

    Macleod made his first-team debut against Stranraer in the League Cup this season.

    "We feel moving to Brora, a club which we have a great relationship with, gives him the opportunity to continue his development and get regular first-team football," said manager Don Cowie.