Ross County manager Don Cowie hails effort of ‘invaluable’ striker Jordan White after Stranraer double kicks off 2024/25 season on a high
Don Cowie says that Jordan White is an invaluable part of Ross County’s squad after the striker hit a double against Stranraer to get his season up and running.
The 32-year-old’s brace helped the Staggies to three points in their League Cup group stage opener, having previously scored twice in a pre-season friendly against Clachnacuddin, and will be looking to continue his scoring form against Raith Rovers in Dingwall this weekend.
White is often the subject of criticism from some quarters of the County fanbase, but Cowie insists the striker’s qualities are very much appreciated by his teammates and coaches.
“We recognise what Jordan brings to us as a group,” Cowie explained.
“I don’t want to curse him, but he is someone who puts himself out there every day in training. He’s an example to everyone else around him.
“He might be big and physical looking, but in terms of what he covers in terms of distance in training and in a game, he’s a credit to himself.
“The amount of people who have come up to me in the last few months and spoken about how much running Simon Murray does – the reality is that Jordan runs further than Simon. He might not run as quick, or be as sharp, but in terms of being a team player and what he brings to the group he is invaluable.”
Another player who will be hoping to catch the eye after is Scott Allardice, who played the first hour down at Stranraer after injury blighted his first campaign with the Staggies.
A late cameo off the substitutes’ bench in the second leg of last season’s play-off final against Raith Rovers was the only other appearance Allardice had made in 2024, but he had begun to impress supporters and pundits alike with his performances before picking up his injury.
“I think Scott will admit that it was a real step up in intensity this time last year going from the Championship to the Premiership, but he was starting to adapt and do really well when his injury came,” Cowie added.
“It was really unfortunate timing with him, and we still need to be slightly patient.
“He played last Saturday and did well, he was involved in the first goal which I’m sure will give him confidence, but again it’s about being on the grass day in and day out, and gaining confidence from that.
“He has had a stop-start few years, even from before he came here, so it’s important that he can do that, and that will then allow him to go and show what a good footballer he is.”