Ross County manager Jim McIntyre reckons his club’s attackers hitting their stride holds the key to his club moving clear of the relegation zone.
County have scored 34 goals in 31 games this season, compared to 45 at the same stage last season, and have only conceded one more goal than they did after the same number of games.
McIntyre believes struggles in front of goal have been a major reason for his side’s struggles this season, with the Staggies only three points above today’s opponents Hamilton Accies, who occupy the relegation play-off position.
McIntyre said: “It’s just about putting that confidence into the forwards, keep doing the right things and be clinical when the opportunities come about.
“Clearly we have not scored as many goals as we did last season and that is a key factor as to where we are.
“That’s not a criticism of midfielders and forwards. All over the pitch we could be chipping in far more goals. Every area of the side, in terms of goals, was better last season.
“We have certainly created enough chances but need to be more ruthless with those chances if we are going to get the wins.
“It’s clear for all to see due to how close the games have been, that tells you there is nothing much in it in terms of goal attempts and possession stats and the like.
“It’s even in many of the games, it boils down to what we do in both boxes.”
Late decisions will be made on defenders Andrew Davies (back), Jay McEveley (knee) and midfielder Martin Woods (hamstring) who were all forced to come off in Tuesday’s 2-1 victory against Dundee.
Midfielder Jim O’Brien will miss out through suspension after being shown a second yellow card for diving against the Dark Blues, however McIntyre was impressed with his performance prior to that and feels the on-loan Shrewsbury Town player will have an important role to play in County’s remaining games.
McIntyre added: “He was excellent against Dundee. He showed good quality on the ball, composure and he picked the right passes. It is frustrating not to have Jim available after such a good performance, but it will be one game and then he’ll be back.”
