Spirits are high again at Ross County following the Highland derby victory against rivals Caley Thistle last weekend and manager Jim McIntyre is determined to avoid falling down to earth when the Staggies host Kilmarnock tomorrow.
The 3-2 win against Inverness gave County their first points of the season, having been knocked out of the Betfred Cup at the group stage prior to a 3-1 Premiership opening day loss to Dundee.
McIntyre, pictured below, said early season criticism was merited following his side’s poor defence of the League Cup and, although he has been pleased with the reaction, the manager warned his players must carry it into tomorrow’s game against Kilmarnock.
McIntyre said: “To get our first win and against our local rivals meant there was a smile on everyone’s faces.
“It was important for us to get up and running, get points on the board. The longer it went it could have eaten into the players’ confidence. It’s only one win, we have to remember that, and we have to build on it.
“We were the holders of the cup and we got knocked out in the early stages so criticism came with that. It wasn’t good enough so we took it on the chin and tried to respond.
“Against Dundee we were positive and created a lot of chances, but we didn’t score. Last weekend we were ruthless and that was the difference.”
County’s victory against Inverness came after McIntyre reverted back to his usual 4-4-2 formation.
The manager wants his players to show their adaptability, insisting their performance will determine results regardless of formation.
He added: “I was pleased with how we played. Too much gets made of systems – we played well against Dundee but lost 3-1 and that’s all people want to look at.
“The bottom line is if we don’t make mistakes we don’t get punished, regardless of what system we play.
“It’s about how players react when they’re on the ball. I was delighted with the whole team – the work rate against Inverness was exceptional and we need that to continue.”
