Ross County co-manager Steven Ferguson feels Lee Erwin is ready to prove why the Staggies were so keen to land him in the summer.
Forward Erwin is in contention to make his home debut for County against Aberdeen at Victoria Park today, having made his first start in last week’s 2-2 draw away to Hamilton Accies.
It has been a frustrating return to Scotland for 6ft 2in attacker Erwin, who endured registration issues following his switch from Iranian club Tractor in the summer before damaging ankle ligaments which kept him out for two months.
Ferguson reckons former Motherwell and Kilmarnock forward Erwin is primed to make his mark with the Dingwall men, and he said: “He was a key signing for us. We think he can do that job of securing the ball at the top end of the pitch.
“Physically, he is well equipped to play in the Premiership and he has a history of doing well in this league.
“Adding him to the group we have will not only be good for Lee, but also enhance partnerships in an area of the pitch where, hopefully, we can become a bigger threat.
“Last weekend was Lee’s first start in over a year. To get him to that stage, we had to do a lot of work with him and he has had to work extremely hard.
“We’re now seeing signs of Lee being ready, with something really positive to offer the group.”
County go into today’s game against the Dons as underdogs despite their home advantage, however Ferguson expects his side to make their attacking presence felt having gone down 3-0 when the sides last met at Pittodrie in August.
Ferguson added: “We need to make sure we don’t have a fear when we are playing, but are thoughtful in realising there are times we can play and times we can’t play.
“That’s where we need to strike the balance right and offer both a defensive unit and attacking unit. The only way we will do that is by being collective.
“We need 11 players and three coming off the bench being 100% ready to fight and scrap, and also be brave enough to look to unpick the Aberdeen defence when the opportunity arises.
“Playing at this level, you don’t get too many of those chances. If you miss the opportunity to unpick the lock, you might not get another one.
“We need to be vigilant in possession, and brave enough to take the opportunity to play that hurtful or decisive pass that will get us shots at goal, and the potential to win the game.”