Danish attacker Thomas Mikkelsen is relishing the challenge of filling Liam Boyce’s boots at Ross County and has guaranteed goals for the Staggies.
Mikkelsen, who spent six months on loan at Championship club Dundee United last season, left Denmark’s OB for County following Boyce’s £500,000 move to Championship club Burton Albion.
The sale left a 23-goal hole in County’s attack, with the Northern Ireland international having finished above Celtic’s Moussa Dembele and every other player in the top flight as leading-scorer in the Premiership last season.
Far from shirking from the challenge, the 27 year-old Mikkelsen is inspired by the chance to fill the void after signing a two-year contract with the Staggies.
Mikkelsen said: “Liam Boyce, I know, was a really good player who scored a lot of goals for this club.
“But hopefully I can take his place. It’s a challenge, and I love a challenge.
“I also know what is most important is the team and that we win matches to progress in the league and in the cups.
“That comes first and I hope to play my part in that in every way I can.”
The months Mikkelsen spent at Dundee United, with seven goals in 17 appearances for the Tangerines, convinced the centre forward Scottish football was well-suited to his style of play with McIntyre impressed by his new signing’s aggression and determination, but also his ability to play with the ball at his feet.
Mikkelsen, who also had a spell with Swedish top-flight side IFK Goteborg, said: “I like the Scottish game as there is a lot of physical play.
“That is perfect for me and I think the standard is very good here. I really enjoyed my time with Dundee United, but I remember we lost 6-2 against Ross County in a cup match not long after I arrived at the club.
“So I knew they were a good team and they are playing in the best league, so this is a great opportunity.
“The manager was another big reason why I came here because he has been good at explaining what he wants from me.
“It was an easy choice for me to make.
“I have always tended to score goals when I have enjoyed a settled spell in my career, so it is important to settle in quickly here.
“My wife and I are living in a hotel in Inverness, but we hope to get a flat of our own soon.
“I think when I do settle, I will score a lot of goals.
“My team-mates need to get to know how I play and me them, so we can adapt to one another.
“That starts in the first match on Saturday against Alloa.
“After that, I am sure I will score goals for this club.”
