Ross County interim manager Don Cowie full of belief that the Staggies can get over the line against Aberdeen and avoid a Premiership relegation play-off
Ross County interim manager Don Cowie says he remains full of belief that his players can finish the job this weekend and avoid a relegation play-off.
The Staggies need to defeat Aberdeen on Sunday afternoon to guarantee their Premiership status for next season – anything less could open the door for St Johnstone to leapfrog them.
It is sure to be a pressure situation, but Cowie is confident that his players can cope with the demands.
“We’re feeling good and looking forward to it,” he explained.
“It’s a really big game for the football club, but we have so much belief in this group of players that we can get the result we need.
“The nature of this club, punching above our weight year after year to be in the Premiership, means that on occasion you find yourself in these position.
“Then it’s about standing up to that. Most of this group who were here before this season have proven they can step up when it matters.
“I have so much belief in them that they can go and do that again.”
Aberdeen have been something of a bogey team for the Staggies this season, winning all four of the encounters between the sides across all competitions.
However, after County’s last trip to Pittodrie, Cowie called it the best display his team had produced on the road since he took charge.
With the Dons in tremendous recent form – winning all four of their post-split fixtures so far and scoring 11 goals in the process – it will not be easy for County to pick up all three points, but Cowie can look back on wins against Hearts, Rangers and Hibernian in Dingwall as evidence that can get impressive results against good teams.
“We have to take real belief from the results we’ve had,” Cowie stressed.
“Aberdeen are on a really good run of form, playing well and scoring goals, and Peter Leven has done a really good job as interim manager.
“We’re under no illusions that it will be a difficult game, but we’ve proven that we can come out on top in difficult games, and that’s what we’ll be looking to do this week.
“They’ve got players at the top end of the pitch who are at the top level in this league.
“Everyone knows how good Bojan Miovski is, and Junior Hoilett has been on a great run of form since he came in, so we’ll have to defend really well.
“What I saw on the pitch against Aberdeen five or six weeks ago showed me that we can cause them problems. We’ll have to be at our best to do that again this weekend.
“Aberdeen have had a pretty consistent team, barring midweek when they changed it up to keep the likes of Miovski for this weekend, so we have to be ready for that.
“It’s going to be a difficult game, but one that we will relish and look forward to.”
As much as the squad and coaching staff are relishing Sunday’s occasion, there will be inevitably be a few nerves in the stands.
Still, Staggies supporters showed up in force against St Johnstone on Wednesday evening, and Cowie is calling for more of the same to help his side over the line.
“The support on Wednesday was incredible – I haven’t witnessed that in all my time at Ross County,” he added.
“We’re very grateful to the supporters, and we would have loved to have given them more to celebrate at the end of the game, but it wasn’t to be.
“Now we have to replicate that at home. The fans have been extremely supportive since I came into this role, and we’re going to need them even more on Sunday and after that as well.
“I’ve got no doubt that it helps the players. I know what it feels like when you feel that vibe from the stadium that they’re right behind you.
“It does have an effect on you, and gives you that little bit extra with energy and confidence. It’s so powerful when you get it right, and that’s something we’ve done really well recently.”
