Attacker Alex Schalk cannot promise a five-star performance when Ross County try to win the League Cup on Sunday – but he can guarantee there will be no lack of effort on his part.
The Dutchman is preparing for the most important game he has ever played as the Staggies prepare to face Hibernian at Hampden on Sunday.
The attacker, who joined from Go Ahead Eagles at the start of the season, learned his craft in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven, and believes the lessons learned will stand him in good stead for this weekend.
He said: “When I was at PSV there was a quote on the wall: ‘If talent doesn’t work hard, then hard work will beat talent’.
“That’s a great quote and I always keep that in mind. You can always have a bad game, like we played against Dundee United in the league, but must always work hard and do the job the manager wants.
“Even though you’re having a bad day you have to stand up and compete – that’s the least you can do.
“I always remember that club slogan on the wall. We’re not always the fighting types in Holland but I am happy to play that way if the game demands it.”
Sunday could well be such an occasion but it is one Schalk is determined to make a memorable one.
He said: “The cup final will be the biggest game of my career. I had never played in a semi-final before so to help the team beat Celtic and now play in the final will be special.
“I hope the supporters come with the biggest number Ross County has ever had for a cup game and we will do all we can to bring the cup back to the Highlands.”