Match Preview | Hearts (A)

By Peter Mackay

Ross County are back in Scottish Premiership action this weekend after a break for the Scottish Cup, in what looks like it will be a stop-start month with international matches also causing a break.

Don Cowie’s Staggies are headed for the Capital on Saturday, as the gaffers former side Heart of Midlothian are the hosts of this all important 3:00 PM kick off.

From the Dugout with Don Cowie

If you asked even the most optimistic of Ross County supporters prior to Boxing Day if they thought the club had a good chance of a top-six finish, it would have been more than understandable to brush off those kinds of aims and claims.

But in what has been nothing short of a remarkably impressive turnaround masterminded by the gaffer, Don Cowie, the Staggies now have a real opportunity to grab a place in the top half of the Premiership table.

A big part of ending up with that chance has been the miraculous turnaround in away form.

From a barren fifteen-month spell without a single win, to looking more confident away from home than we ever have.

Ross County supporters will be hoping for another confident display at Tynecastle, and they will support in good numbers.

With the majority of the ticket allocation sold and three supporters buses heading down the A9, the County players will have a big backing.

Manager Don Cowie said: “I think that’s a reflection of then environment and the stadium, it’s a good place for away supporters to go and watch the game visually, and I think its also a reflection of our season and where we are right now as a team – how well we are doing and playing.

“Its fantastic to hear that there is going to be such a big support there for us, and hopefully we can continue our good away form and send them back up the road happy.”

County have had many a strong backing on the road this season, even despite the early season turgid form – and that is something Don Cowie was quick to appreciate.

He added: “It doesn’t matter how big or how small the support is, we know who we are as a football club, we know where we are logistically and the challenges of supporting us away from home.

“It doesn’t matter how small that traveling support is, it’sobviously very nice when you walk out and you can see that there is a big following, but its not make or break for us as a football club.

“We know the support that we get week in week out, whether it is here or away from home – and we know how much it means to us a group.

“Now the challenge for us is to go their and send them back up the road happy – it’s going to be a big challenge but one that we look forward to.”

Ross County

County head into this one off the back of huge three points earned vs Kilmarnock at home, thanks to a Kieran Phillips goal.

It was imperative that the Staggies bounced back following a drop off in form and a narrow loss away to St Johnstone – that could have de-railed things but the group didn’t let it affect them.

Don Cowie’s side currently sit eighth in the table on 35 points, having already equalled last seasons points tally with nine matches to go.

A win would see the Highlanders leapfrog opponents Heart of Midlothian – potentially taking them as high as sixth – depending on results.

Player to Watch

As mentioned, Kieran Phillips netted the only goal last time out for County, making that his second goal in just three matches.

Since signing from Huddersfield Town in January he has made an instant impact, showing real pace a grit in the County forward line.

The former Sacramento man will be looking to continue his red hot from at the weekend.

Even if he doesn’t start – the forward has made strong impacts off the bench, winning penalties and causing havoc.

Heart of Midlothian

A season full of ups and downs, Hearts won’t be too pleased with where they lie in the table at the moment.

Similarly, to Ross County, they have a good chance of finishing in the top six if they can turn in some strong performances in these four matches prior to the split.

The capital side sit just one place and one point ahead of their opponents Ross County heading into this one.

Hearts are in decent form, having won three of their last five matches, but they have conceded in all of their last six games.

Player to Watch

Elton Kabangu has been a revelation since arriving in Edinburgh – and has to some extent been the reason for Hearts getting their season back on track.

The loanee striker has netted five goals in just seven matches, as well as grabbing one assist.

His quick feet and raw pace make him a handful for defenders, and he seems to forming a nice trio alongside James Wilson and Lawrence Shankland in a front three which has a lot of strike power.

Familiar Faces

Current midfielders Connor Randall and Yan Dhanda both played in Dingwall and Edinburgh, as well as manager Don Cowie who played for the Capital club before returning to the Highlands.

Ross County legend Liam Boyce is among those to have played in maroon and blue, as well as Harry Paton, Gary Glen and Ruben Palazuelos.

Previous Encounters

County and Hearts have exchanged late goals in both the prior fixtures this season.

Shankland netted in the 96th minute after Ronan Hale scored a goal of the season contender in the first half.

In Dingwall, Jordan White netted in the 99th minute to secure a point as County fought back from 2-0 down.

Ross County are unbeaten in their last four matches against Hearts.

Team News

Ryan Leak and Michee Efete miss out through injury.

Refereeing Team

Referee: Calum Scott

AR1: Jonathan Bell

AR2: Colin Drummond

VAR: Don Robertson

AVAR: David Roome