Rangers (A) - Match Preview

By Peter Mackay

Hampden is calling for the Staggies in unusual fashion, as Don’s side gears up to face Rangers in a much welcome return to Scottish Premiership action. We travel to Mount Florida on Saturday to face the blue half of Glasgow in a 3:00 PM kick-off.

Ross County

There is no shying away from the fact it has been a difficult week for the Staggies, crashing out of the league cup expectedly to The Spartans, who thoroughly deserved their win.

During the week a Ross County XI took to the North of Scotland Cup and narrowly lost out to experienced Highland League side Brora Rangers 3-2. Eamonn Brophy and Alex Samuel grabbed the goals for us.

In league action, however, the start to proceedings under Don Cowie has been positive.

In matches against Dundee United and Motherwell, we have picked up two points with two draws.

A trip to face Rangers is always a tough encounter, but we showed last season that getting a result isn’t beyond impossible.

A-League player of the year Joshua Nisbet putting pen to paper in Dingwall will undoubtedly bolster the squad.

Player to Watch

Ronan Hale has excited Ross County fans to no end since he arrived in the Highlands from Cliftonville.

He has hit the ground running, grabbing three goals in two matches in the league cup group stages.

He also smashed home a last-minute equaliser versus Dundee United to rescue a point, already making him a fan favourite.

The quick striker seems to have a bit of freedom under the guidance of Don Cowie, who has made him a regular starter.

He is front-footed, quick, and energetic – and looks like he has all the tools at his disposal to become a very important player for Ross County.

Rangers

There has been a lot of negative press regarding the Premiership runners-up so far this season.

They opened their season with a 0-0 draw versus Hearts but defeated Motherwell 2-1 in their first match at Hampden.

Of course, Rangers fans have high standards, but they have a lot of new players in their squad and have lost lots of experience.

No matter what kind of form the Glasgow side is in, they will be no pushover and will pose an incredibly tough opponent.

In their last match, Rangers comfortably defeated St Johnstone 2-0 to sail through to the quarter finals of the Premier Sports Cup.

Player to Watch

Vaclav Cerny spent his summer playing in the Euro’s with the Czech Republic before putting pen to paper in Govan.

The rapid winger has already shown his worth, netting a goal and grabbing an assist in his first two matches.

He is on loan from German giant Wolfsburg but has also had incredibly successful spells at FC Twente and Ajax.

From the Dugout with Don Cowie

“We have had time to reflect.”

That was the calm message from Don talking about being on the wrong side of a cup upset at the weekend.

“Full credit to Spartans, they deserved the victory – but in terms of ourselves, we are disappointed.

“We take ownership in terms of the outcome and the result; it wasn’t through lack of effort, but we lacked real quality and creativity as a group through the match.”

Looking to take stock and move onto league action, Cowie knows that heading to Glasgow will by no means be easy, but the gaffer is still looking for that positive reaction from his group.

He added: “It’s going to be a real challenge, it’s a difficult game away to Rangers but as always, we believe in ourselves.

“I believe in this group, and we will go with a game plan to try and get a result.

“The one glaring factor about this match is the large majority of the group haven’t played at Hampden before so there is a freshness and excitement in terms of playing at the national stadium.”

Regarding the conversation around Rangers at the moment, it’s fair to say it won’t be read into too much by Cowie.

He said: “They’ve had the challenge of European football alongside domestic football as well as having to change venue so that is a big difference for them – but they’ve still managed to get the results.

“They are maybe going through a bit of transition squad wise but there is still real quality within that squad that we need to be ready for.”

The prospect of a Ross County side pitching up and Hampden is a rare occasion, so Don took the opportunity to reflect on the matches he was a part of in Mount Florida.

“I have never played there domestically.

“I was fortunate enough to play for the national team a few times but in terms of a cup or league game – never.

“It’s a real fresh challenge for the group in terms of going and playing at an iconic stadium and that we are really excited about.”

Familiar Faces

Richard Foster and Stephen Kelly both played for Rangers as well as the Staggies.

Mark Brown and Brian McLean also played for the Glasgow side.

Memorable Match

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okc_Z-1ZNi8

Team News

Max Sheaf and Ricki Lamie are the only longer-term absentees.

Akil Wright, Scott Allardice and Michee Efete will return to contention.

Refereeing Team

Referee: Ross Hardie

AR1: David McGeachie

AR2: Alastair Mather

VAR: Alan Muir

AVAR: Graeme Leslie

Tickets

Match Tickets are on sale until 3:00 PM on Friday.

Link: https://t.co/zaIx97Y1QR

Ross County Official Supporters Club Bus: https://t.co/SKPm055sId

Black Isle Supporters Club are also running a bus to Hampden: https://x.com/RCFC_SLO/status/1825570257169535257

Information

For supporters intending to travel by car.

Supporters should be aware that the area immediately surrounding the stadium is mainly residential and the availability of on-street parking is extremely limited.

Supporters are asked to be mindful and respect the residents of the area around Hampden. Where possible use public transport.

Please note that Parking Wardens will be on duty patrolling the restricted areas.