Don Cowie relying on Ross County’s mental strength to give the Staggies best chance of securing a result against Celtic in Glasgow
Don Cowie believes that if Ross County can stay mentally strong and frustrate Celtic this weekend, a result may be on the cards for the Highlanders.
It was a close-run thing when the two met in Dingwall earlier this season, with Celtic having to come from behind to claim a 2-1 victory.
That was in stark contrast to the last time the Staggies played in Glasgow, when they collapsed to lose 6-0 against Rangers.
Cowie knows all-too-well that a repeat cannot be allowed to happen, and says that if County play to their potential they are capable of springing a surprise against the as-yet unbeaten defending champions.
“You always have that opportunity, and we believe in ourselves,” he stressed.
“At the same time we recognise that we are playing against a Champions League team who are doing extremely well.
“We will be ready. The boys are in a really good mood, and three’s a good vibe around the place after getting an important win on Saturday, so no matter who we were playing this week it was going to be about building on that.
"Against the bigger teams, many factors need to go in your favour. You must be at your best, be resilient, show together, and recognise there will be times when you will be challenged, and it will be difficult.
"As long as you are aware of that, and embrace it, you have to take the opportunity and be clinical when it comes along. You don't get many opportunities there, that's the key.
"What is key is you stay in the game, even if the opposition score. Even at 1-0 or 2-0, we can't have the snowball effect like happened against Rangers. That not only makes it really difficult but gives them the opportunity to play with real freedom.
"There will be 60,000 fans there and the quieter you can keep them, for as long as you can, the better it is for you as a team, and it allows you to build into the game.
"Maybe, a bit of anxiety creeps in within the fans, which has an impact on the pitch. When that happens, it is about recognising that opportunity and taking it.”
As well as pushing Celtic close already this season, Cowie has been on the Ross County coaching staff when they won at Parkhead.
That last happened almost four years ago to the day, but this weekend will be the first time Cowie leads his team out away at Celtic.
While looking forward to the occasion, he believes that will be just one of a number of difference between this weekend and County’s previous encounters with the Glasgow giants.
“On the day, I might take it in and recognise the scenario we're in, but as a manager and a group of staff our priority is making sure the team is ready,” Cowie added.
"The game up here earlier in the season gives the group a reference in terms of what we're capable of doing against the best team in the country, but this is a different game.
“It’s at their stadium, on a bigger pitch with 60,000 fans, so you must take that into account.
"It is still just a game of football, and the boys showed against them this season that when you get things right and try to nullify as many threats as they've got, then we believe we can score goals.
"We did that, and it gives you the opportunity to get the result you want.”
