Ross County midfielder Michael Gardyne is determined his side can go some way for making up for missing out on the top six by ending his former club Celtic’s unbeaten domestic run.
The Staggies were held to a 1-1 draw by 10-man Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park on Saturday, while Partick Thistle were confirmed as the final side to make the top half of the league thanks to a 1-0 victory against Motherwell.
The Staggies, who finished sixth last season, will instead face a nervy end to the season in the struggle to avoid finishing in the bottom two spots.
Jim McIntyre’s side host champions Celtic in Dingwall on Sunday with the Hoops yet to taste defeat 32 games into the league campaign.
Gardyne, who began his career with the Parkhead club, said: “We are looking forward to having a crack at Celtic.
“It shows what Brendan Rodgers is all about that they have won the league, but there is no chance they will take the foot of the gas.
“They have a Scottish Cup semi-final against Rangers coming up so everyone will be playing for places.
“But we have home advantage so hopefully we can take the game to them.
“Our shape and organisation will need to be good, but it would certainly be nice to be the first team to beat them this season.”
Gardyne was disappointed his side was unable to get a winner in a frantic 1-1 draw against Accies.
Massimo Donati put Accies in front after three minutes, but the hosts were reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half time when Greek defender Ioannis Skondras saw red.
Craig Curran equalised for the Staggies on the hour mark but Jim McIntyre’s side were unable to find a winner.
Gardyne added: “We played really well in the first half but the sending-off changed the game.
“We battered them in the second half. They had a couple of chances to score but we should have had a couple of goals before then.
“We are disappointed, but it is still a point and Hamilton didn’t win, which is good.
“We created enough chances but our quality could have been better in the final third.
“Their goalkeeper had a few good saves and we hit the crossbar. It is unfortunate, but I’m sure we will pick it up again.
“We wanted to get back-to-back wins having defeated Dundee on Tuesday, but four points from two games is not the worst for us.”
