Ross County manager Don Cowie praises performances of Dylan Smith and Jay Henderson while out on loan at Arbroath and Ayr United – and does not rule out January recalls
Don Cowie believes that Dylan Smith’s loan move to Arbroath is working out exactly as hoped after the young defender once again turned out for Scotland’s under-19s.
The Ross County academy graduate has been away with the national team age-group after returning to regular action on loan with the League One outfit.
Smith has featured in six out of seven matches for the Gayfield side since making the temporary move, only missing last Saturday’s win over Cove Rangers because he was away with Scotland.
County have had high hopes for the former Culloden Academy pupil ever since he broke into the senior team in Dingwall, but after a turbulent year of injuries Cowie thinks that the time away may have been exactly what Smith needed to kick on again.
“It is a great loan move at Arbroath, where he is experiencing first team football regularly,” Cowie explained.
“Right now, he needs that to help keep him developing. To have the Scotland accolade on the side is just brilliant for him.
“He is still here a couple of days a week, training with the first team and still very much part of Ross County and then he goes away and play for Arbroath.
“He’s had a really big impact down there, playing in a slightly different position at right-back. He is quick to tell me he had an assist at the weekend. I’m delighted for him – he has a real spring in his step.
“It is part of management to recognise that, as a young player, he is desperate to play football. If he’s not getting that, frustration can kick in. That’s why I felt it was important for him to go out on loan.
“Now he is playing regularly at a good level, it is perfect for him. It means he has that potential to come back as a better player when the time arises.”
Another Ross County who seems to be thriving while out on loan is Jay Henderson.
The 22-year-old winger has featured 21 times for Ayr United, and scored in his last two appearances – including from the penalty spot in last Saturday’s win over Queen’s Park.
Cowie is also keeping tabs on Henderson’s progress, and says all of the club’s loan deals will be evaluated ahead of the January transfer window.
“Jay had a really frustrating year last year and came to us on the back of a really good loan spell at Inverness,” Cowie said.
“He got used to playing every week and when he came here he didn’t get that. I felt in the summer, as he did, it was important for him to get back to enjoying football and playing every week.
“That’s exactly what he is doing at a top team in the Championship. He is having a massive impact there and I see he is now taking the penalties, which shows how much he is growing in influence there. I’m delighted to see that and long may it continue.
“Whether it is Jay or Dylan – any loan – when you reach January you look at it and decide what you think is best for the individual.
“If we were to take Jay back, we’re taking him back to have a real impact and play. The last thing you want is to take someone back and not give them football, creating more frustration.
“We’re always evaluating the squad and players out on loan, then closer to the time we’ll make a decision as to what’s best.”
