Ross County manager Jim McIntyre feels his side can approach tomorrow’s Highland derby at home to Caley Thistle with confidence, after Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Celtic.
The Staggies secured a creditable point against the champions at Parkhead but other results meant they fell back to the foot of the Scottish Premiership.
Just 24 hours later, McIntyre took in Caley Thistle’s 1-0 defeat by Aberdeen at Caledonian Stadium and felt John Hughes’ players were unfortunate to leave the match empty-handed.
The sides drew 1-1 the last time they met – in Inverness in October – and despite County’s lowly league position, Saturday’s result has reaffirmed McIntyre’s belief in his squad.
McIntyre said: “We’re looking forward to it. We more than matched Inverness last time at their place. I was at their game on Sunday and thought they did enough to get something out of the match.
“They might have lost three on the bounce but they played well in periods of that game. Aberdeen were strong to start but Caley Thistle came right back into it before half-time. In the second half they had a few chances as well but Aberdeen are a quality side.
“We’re the home team on New Year’s Day. We need the points and, hopefully, we can build on the positives from Parkhead.
“It’s more a mindset thing. You can only take positives from going to Parkhead and getting a point. The positivity is there with them and the biggest thing for me was the concentration levels. They were very good. That’s got to be the same against any team.
“Victoria Park is a fantastic stadium that can generate a great atmosphere. We’re just hoping the punters come out in numbers because they can be really important for us. They can be that 12th man.”
McIntyre handed Canadian midfielder Terry Dunfield just his second appearance for the club on Saturday and he could feature again with the Staggies manager impressed by the 32-year-old’s impact.