Ross County

Amy McBeath
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Don Cowie has been speaking to BBC Scotland before Ross County's Premiership game with Dundee United on Sunday.

Here are the key points from the County boss.

• Cowie believes there is "a lot of room for improvement" as his side "strive for consistency" despite the decent run of form since Boxing Day, which has seen County win six and draw two of their 12 matches. Two of their four defeats came against the Old Firm.

• With three games left before the Premiership split Cowie said the "full focus" is on Sunday's match, not on league position.

• He praised the job Jim Goodwin has done at United so soon after returning to the top flight, but reckons the Tannadice side are going through a "challenging" spell that everyone but Celtic have also experienced this year.

• Cowie is well aware the visitors will see the weekend game in Dingwall as an "opportunity to cement themselves in that top six".

• The Staggies manager knows Sam Dalby will pose a threat for United, but he is "delighted" to have the "real physical presence" of Jordan White as the pair have notched up the highest number of successful duels in the league.

• Cowie confirmed County are still missing Ryan Leak and Michee Efete through injury but hopes to have returning internationalists back in the mix again from Friday.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

What if the Scottish Premiership was decided on overperforming your expected goals (xG) rating?

You're rolling your eyes, aren't you? Fair enough, but the above graphic still paints an interesting picture.

In the second column you will see each team's current xG tally after 30 games, but the table is sorted based on the third column, which shows how much each side has overperformed or underperformed by.

For example, the chances leaders Celtic have created throughout the season suggests they should have scored around 77 goals, but Brendan Rodgers' side have surpassed that tally with an overperformance of almost 12 goals.

Remarkably, Dundee have overperformed their xG total of 34 by 11 goals. If Tony Docherty's side could sort out their defensive issues, it's safe to assume they wouldn't be fighting for survival.

It's the opposite for Kilmarnock, with their underperformance of 5.5 showing they have struggled to take their chances. Addressing that is key if Derek McInnes wants to pull his side away from the bottom.

Other underperformers include Hibernian, Dundee United and Ross County, while the remainder of the teams in the division appear to be fairly steady.

Image source, Inpho

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill said he had to avoid the team becoming "very disjointed" after not bringing Ross County striker Ronan Hale off the bench in his side's 5-1 friendly loss to Sweden on Tuesday night.

The former Cliftonville man was the subject of a lengthy international transfer after previously representing Republic of Ireland at youth level and was included in O'Neill's squad for the first time this month.

But the 26-year-old was an unused substitute in friendlies against Switzerland and Sweden with O'Neill saying he did not want to bring him on "slightly out of position" in the latter stages with the team already 5-0 behind.

"It's very difficult in that situation," he said.

"You can throw on another player and play him slightly out of position, but at that time we're trailing in the game 5-0.

"I have to protect the morale of the team a little bit, the team can get very disjointed at that point in time."

O'Neill added that Hale will have benefitted from the experience of being away with the squad for the first time.

He said: "Those players will get their chances.

"They will go back to their clubs, they have to get minutes and do well.

"This is Ronan's first trip, he will understand what we want from him from what he's seen in training."

Image source, SNS

"Great addition" Jordan Amissah has signed a new two-year deal with Ross County.

The goalkeeper has impressed for the Highland side since his winter arrival, keeping four clean sheets in his 12 appearances for the club.

The 23-year-old's fresh contract extension will run until the summer of 2027.

"We are delighted Jordi has extended his stay at the club," County manager Don Cowie said.

"He has been a great addition to the group since joining in December and has given us excellent competition in the goalkeeping area."

Ross County striker Jordan White has won more duels than any other player in the Scottish Premiership.

The towering forward has enjoyed 236 successes, with Dundee United counterpart Sam Dalby next with 228.

Of those duels, 187 of them were aerial, where White also tops the pile.

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

We asked for your Ross County player of the year - and the biggest disappointment.

Here's what some of you said:

Rory: Noah Chilvers is our top player without a doubt. Akil Wright has stepped up massively this season as well.

Angus: I think Chilvers is been the most exciting player this season. For me, the biggest disappointment has been Jack Grieves who I've just not really seen play or score.

Kyle: Best player: Chilvers, the boy is special. Biggest letdown: Will Nightingale (was just pointless bringing him back).

Stephen: Player of the season is Chilvers without a doubt. The biggest disappointment for me is a toss of a coin between Ricki Lamie and Charlie Telfer.

With just eight Premiership games left, we're down to the business end of the season.

Player reputations have been enhanced - or sullied - with their performances throughout the campaign.

As thoughts begin to turn to end-of-term awards, we want to know your Ross County player of the season so far - and the biggest flop.

Share your views

Ross Morren
Fan writer

Over 450 Ross County fans travelled to Edinburgh on Saturday hoping to see their side pick up a first Premiership win against Hearts at Tynecastle since March 2017.

Unfortunately, they left the capital disappointed as the Staggies fell to a 2-0 defeat.

The plan to sit deep and try to cut off the supply to Hearts' forward line looked to be working perfectly for the opening 25 minutes until Beni Baningime ghosted by a couple of County players in the middle of the park and set up Elton Kabangu to open the scoring.

We continued to limit Hearts to very few clear-cut chances, but looked toothless at the other end. The final ball was poor and Kieran Phillips, the lone striker, looked increasingly isolated.

Don Cowie brought on Ronan Hale and Jordan White in the second half to play alongside Phillips, but there was a disappointing lack of service into the front three from the midfield and wing-backs, which really hampered hopes of an equaliser.

Late equalisers have been par for the course in this fixture, so there was hope that history could repeat itself again.

There was another late goal, but it killed any prospect of a County comeback as Jorge Grant wrapped up the three points for Hearts.

The Staggies' performance was full of heart and desire but lacked the quality required to cause Hearts problems defensively.

It was only the third time in 15 matches that Cowie's side have failed to score, so he'll want to see the team back to their attacking best when they host Dundee United following the international break.

Ross Morren can be found at The County Corner, external

Watch as the Sportscene team analyse Ross County's display in their defeat at Hearts (UK only).

We asked you for your views after Ross County's defeat at Tynecastle to Hearts.

Here's what you said:

Jim: About right. We lacked a desire to go for it, as often Don Cowie starts with a negative structure. His mantra continues to be 'stay in the game'. Fine if you can keep the opposition at arms length or get in front. We lack gamechangers off the bench but will continue with our method and see where it takes us.

David: Very poor performance from County. Craig Gordon had a nice easy afternoon. As for the top six, on this display, there is no chance. County have to concentrate on survival in the Premiership and show desire to win which was not there on Saturday. Team selection and substitutes are also questionable.

Watch all the highlights from Hearts' 2-0 win over Ross County in the Scottish Premiership.

Available to UK users only.

Image source, SNS

• Hearts have beaten Ross County for the first time in the Premiership since 30 September 2023, a run of four games without a win.

• Hearts have scored in their last seven games in the Premiership, scoring 18 goals in that run, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of seven games from 21 September 2024 to 2 November 2024.

• Elton Kabangu has scored six goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Hearts player.

• Jorge Grant has contributed to goals in his last three games in the Premiership (two goals, one assist).

• Ross County have failed to score in 12 of their 30 games, more often than any other team in the Premiership this season.

• Ross County have conceded nine goals to opposition substitutes in the Premiership this season, only Dundee (13) and St. Johnstone (10) have conceded more.

• Ross County have conceded 17 goals in the last 15 minutes of the second half, more than any other team in the Premiership this season.

Image source, SNS

Hearts eased to a 2-0 Premiership victory over Ross County to continue their push for top six.

You can watch the highlights of the game over on BBC iPlayer or via this link.

Hearts moved into the Scottish Premiership's top six after beating Ross County to dent the visitors' own hopes of finishing in the upper half of the division.

What did you make of that, County fans? Was the scoreline harsh on your side?

How do you feel about your top six chances?

Lets us know your thoughts., external

Image source, SNS

Ross County manager Don Cowie: "We leave slightly frustrated, we've been in good form. The work ethic was there, we just didn't manage to create enough opportunities.

"We lacked a little bit of quality at times. I get everything from this group, we're an honest group, but we didn't hit the heights to trouble Hearts.

"There is an expectancy here, when you play Ross County at home to score, to win, to be free-flowing. We've got to implement a game plan to frustrate and I thought we were doing that really well.

"We regrouped [after they scored], stayed in the game and then we made enough changes to try and get the goal to get us back in it. We didn't create enough momentum to get that goal.

"I take the positive that the group are giving everything for this football club and working extremely hard."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

It's a long way from Dingwall to Edinburgh and the 350 fans who made the journey to the capital will head back north disappointed with the result, but probably content with the performance of their team.

County battled for every ball and, if they can maintain their style and application, they can still have an impact in whether they finish in the top or bottom half of the table.

Image source, SNS

Hearts boss Neil Critchley will make a late call on whether to include Jamie McCart and Cammy Devlin following their recent injury issues.

Aidan Denholm, Craig Halkett, Stephen Kingsley (all hamstring) and Frankie Kent (quad) are still out.

Ross County are set to be without Michee Efete (knee), Ryan Leak (Achilles), Alex Samuel (thigh) and Will Nightingale (knee).

Image source, SNS

Don Cowie has urged Ross County not to ease off after his side matched last season's points tally with nine games to spare.

The Staggies finished second bottom last term with 35 points and had to secure top-flight survival through a play-off win over Raith Rovers.

Cowie's side are currently eighth - just a point behind Saturday's hosts Hearts - after an upturn in form since Boxing Day.

"I think it shows the improvement in what we've done," said manager Cowie.

"We've matched our total from the whole of last season, so it shows the improvement.

"But the hard work continues. We've got nine games left to really add to that and that's the challenge we face. We're happy where we are.

"In the last 12 games or so since Boxing Day when we won away at Dundee, the run of results in the league's been really consistent and strong and we've picked up a lot of points.

"And the challenge is to keep that going for another four games until we get to the league split."

Former Hearts player Cowie is braced for a tough test against the resurgent Jambos.

"We've had two really close games against them this season," he said. "We've both been on the receiving end of a deep stoppage-time equaliser.

"They've changed a lot of personnel since we last played them, in January they invested heavily and you can see there's been a real upturn in their form.

"They're a real threat in the forward areas with the signings they've made. We're going to have to defend really well, but we're in a good place, we're feeling confident."

Image source, SNS

Don Cowie is heartened his players' "confident and healthy" position is being reflected by a large travelling support to Tynecastle on Satuday.

The Staggies are eighth in the league table, just one point behind the Jambos and two off Motherwell, who occupy the last top-six spot.

County haven't won a Premiership match at Tynecastle since March 2017, but that isn't deterring what Cowie calls "a big travelling support" making the trip down to the capital this weekend.

"I'm delighted to hear that we've got a large travelling support to shout us on our way," Cowie said.

"It's a reflection of where we are in the season and what the group of players are doing.

"For our large travelling fans it's a great venue to be at. We know it's one of the best stadiums in the country and the atmosphere they can create.

"But no matter how small or big our away support is, it means everything to us as a group, we know the challenges logistically to get to our away games.

"When I was told how much strength in support we were going to have this week it was really nice to hear."

Image source, SNS

Don Cowie has been speaking to the before Ross County's trip to Tynecastle to take on Hearts on Saturday:

Here are the key points he made:

• Cowie said "the group are in a really good place" after their "important" win against Kilmarnock and they're "confident and looking healthy" in eighth.

• Alluding to recent games against Hearts, the head coach said his message is "to make sure you stay in the match because at any time it can change".

• County are aware they have four "really tough games" before the split, and wants his players to be "consistent."

• He knows the Staggies "have to work extremely hard" to get the desired result against "a team who are in good form".

• A former Hearts player, he knows how big the Tynecastle support is, but is "delighted" that County will have a large travelling support who he hopes will "shout us on our way".

• On injuries, Ryan Leak is the long-term absentee and says Michee Efete is "still not quite ready" to be part of the group but everyone else is available.

Image source, SNS

• Heart of Midlothian have only lost one of their 16 top-fight home games against Ross County (W6 D9), and are unbeaten in their last eight (W3 D5) since a 0-1 defeat in March 2017.

• Hearts have won five of their last seven home league games (L2), after having only won one of their first seven on home soil in 2024-25 beforehand (D3 L3).

• Ross County are unbeaten in their last four against Hearts in the league (W1 D3).

• After only winning four of their first 20 league games in 2024-25 before the turn of the year (D7 L9), County have won five of nine Premiership games in 2025 so far (D1 L3).

• Ross County pair Akil Wright (56) and Connor Randall (40) are the top two players for most interceptions made in the Premiership this season.