Northern Irish winger Ivan Sproule yesterday left Ross County due to personal reasons after less than a year at Victoria Park.
The 32-year-old was instrumental in the Staggies rise to fifth in the top flight after netting six goals in 14 games following a January move from Hibs.
Sproule was sent off at St Mirren in his last game for County on November 17 after scoring against Dundee United and Celtic in 11 appearances this term.
The club released a statement on Sproule’s departure which read: “Ross County have mutually agreed to terminate the contract of Ivan Sproule with immediate effect due to personal and family reasons and his desire to return to Northern Ireland.
“Ross County would like to thank Ivan for his contribution to the club as a player and wish him all the very best.”
County take on Hibs in the Scottish Cup at Dingwall today with captain Richard Brittain available despite being sent off at Hearts last week. Steven Saunders returns from suspension, while Ben Gordon (ankle) is injured as the Staggies aim to maintain their unbeaten record against the Easter Road men.
The game marks the return to the Highlands of former Caley Thistle manager Terry Butcher, who never defeated County at Dingwall.
County manager Derek Adams is relishing the tie, with a near capacity crowd expected. He said: “We have a good record, both against Terry Butcher and against Hibs, and we want to continue it. I am sure he will get a good welcome from our supporters. Having been the Inverness manager in the past obviously does not help him coming here. But I am sure he will enjoy that and he is well used to taking that abuse.”
Adams reckons the Staggies support can help County. He added: “It is really great Hibs are bringing up a lot of supporters. It adds to the atmosphere at the ground. We have to make it a hostile ground here because of the size of it. I have had letters saying there has to be better support for the team vocally. The supporters are preparing to do that and get a singing section going.”