Jim McIntyre is warning Ross County’s promoted youth talent they will have to work hard to earn first-team recognition despite being inducted this summer.
Seven of Stuart Kettlewell’s title-winning development team have progressed to McIntyre’s senior squad: Greg Morrison, Russell Dingwall, Reghan Tumilty, Dylan Dykes, Blair Malcolm, Mark Foden and Davis Keillor-Dunn.
Those players will train full time with the first team but will also be able to play as over-age players in the reserve set-up.
County are determined to stream their own talent into the top flight but McIntyre knows the transition will be tough.
He said: “I’ve got to say, the young lads have come back really well to pre-season. The hardest bit is still to come for the boys who tasted first-team action last season.
“They now have to go and stake a claim and be there on a regular basis because they’re up against some good players. I’ve every confidence they can step up to the plate.
“From their point of view, they have to be hungry and determined to nail down that place. It starts from the first day of pre-season – and it’s not just about the games. It’s about attitude and the hard work that’s in front of them.
“Pre-season is so important for any player. First and foremost, if it has a good structure to it, everyone comes through in good shape – the most important thing is they don’t pick up injuries.”
McIntyre’s first-team numbers, as a result, are greatly bolstered but he is still seeking to add seasoned faces to his squad.
He added: “It would be foolish of me to think every one of the players who have moved up to the first-team squad is going to go and play 35-40 games a season.
“We still need more strength to our squad and that’s exactly what we’ll be trying to do. We still need three or four players.”
Midfielders Martin Woods and Ian McShane, both told they could find new clubs but still with another year’s contract to run, have reported back for pre-season training as expected.
Defender Jay McEveley, after a knee operation, is hopeful of beginning running work shortly.
Chris Burke, plagued by illness after joining County last season, has left the club.
