Ross County’s Don Cowie Aims for Another Upset Against Rangers at Home

Don Cowie, manager of Ross County, expressed optimism that his team could leverage their home ground advantage to once again defeat Rangers. Since the 41-year-old assumed management, County has experienced only three defeats in 19 home matches. A notable achievement during Cowie’s tenure was a 3-2 win against Rangers in April, and he anticipates a similar outcome this Sunday. Cowie stated, “The group’s changed slightly, in terms of the squad that played in that game, but we’ve continued the good performances and results at home since that game.” He added, “I think I’ve got a team that feel very comfortable playing here in Dingwall. We make it really difficult for whoever comes and that needs to be the foundation of this football club.” He concluded by saying, “We’re looking to try and continue that again this week, despite playing against a top team.” The manager of Ross County expressed no apprehension regarding giving Jack Hamilton his initial Premiership start in 11 months. This decision follows the ruling out of primary goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw until the new year due to a knee injury sustained during the 5-0 loss to Celtic. Hamilton entered the game early in the second half last weekend, despite suffering from illness before the match, and contributed to preventing the champions from scoring additional goals. Regarding Laidlaw’s injury, Cowie commented, “Naturally, it’s a blow.” He continued, “He’s a really consistent goalkeeper who’s done really well for our football club but, at the same time, it gives someone else an opportunity.” Cowie further elaborated on Jack Hamilton’s performance, stating, “Jack came on on Saturday in a really difficult moment – the scoreline, not played a lot of football – and played excellently in the second half.” He added, “Jack hadn’t been with the group since Wednesday I think it was, and he didn’t meet the group until actually at Celtic Park at 1.30 on Saturday.” Cowie concluded, “He put himself forward to make himself available and it just shows the character that he’s got to come on and perform as good as he did.”