Malky Mackay is starting to see the right patterns in his Ross County team – even if they are not producing the results to show for it.
The Staggies have suffered back-to-back defeats against Kilmarnock and Hearts which have kept them bottom of the Premiership – albeit on goals scored.
Although County have won just twice this season, Mackay – who made 10 summer signings – believes his side have taken strides in the right direction in the last fortnight.
Mackay said: “I’m seeing my team starting to look as if there’s a pattern to them.
“People are starting to get the role they are playing, in a reasonably settled team, which makes a difference.
“It was a bit like this at a point last year, with everybody getting to know each other and how to play in this division. To understand this division is not easy.
“Last week at Kilmarnock, and this week, is probably the most we have seen us comfortable on the ball. We actually have the confidence to keep it at times and probe to create chances, rather than it just being off the cuff.”
County took the lead against Hearts through Jordan White’s early goal, however strikes from Lawrence Shankland and Andy Halliday turned the game on its head before half-time.
Although a second half leveller proved to be beyond the Staggies, Mackay saw traits from his side which give him encouragement for the weeks ahead.
He added: “I know we lost, but there were some real green shoots in the team that looked like players who grabbed it and really went for Hearts in the second half.
“It makes a difference, because we are going to need that at some tough places. We are where we are at the moment, and we’ve got to climb out of that. We need to make sure we have people with real character.”
Mackay thrilled to see White back on scoresheet
Goals have been in short supply for the Dingwall men this season, with their tally of seven the lowest across the top flight.
Mackay took a boost from forward Jordan White finding the net for the first time since the opening day of the season in the loss to the Jambos.
The Staggies boss hopes the former Caley Thistle attacker will take confidence from ending his goal drought.
He added: “I was absolutely delighted Jordan put that one in at the weekend.
“It was a smashing goal, and on another day he could have had another couple.
“I was delighted for him because he puts a lot of work in. He’s a really good top pro, who trains every day, works hard and keeps his body well.
“He’s everything you want in a professional footballer.
“He knows that in that 18-yard box, he’s got to keep looking to stay in there to try and get goals.
“That’s the primary job of the centre forward. But he’s a good front to our team, as he was all last year.
“On Sunday again, I thought he was excellent against a good Hearts defence.”
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