Ross County manager emphasizes squad depth ahead of Celtic clash

With only one goal from substitutes this season, Cowie trusts his bench to deliver.

In the competitive landscape of the Scottish Premiership, Ross County manager Don Cowie is keen to highlight the importance of his squad’s depth as they prepare to face champions Celtic this weekend. Despite the team’s substitutes contributing only one goal this season, Cowie remains optimistic about their potential impact in matches.

Substitutes’ performance in the league

While Ross County has struggled to find the net from the bench, with just a single goal scored by Alex Samuel in a thrilling 3-3 draw against St Johnstone, other teams have excelled in this area.

Aberdeen leads the league with eight goals from substitutes, showcasing their ability to change the game from the sidelines. Celtic, following closely behind, has also seen their bench players contribute significantly, including a standout performance from Adam Idah in their recent victory over Hearts.

Cowie’s confidence in squad depth

Cowie expressed his belief in the strength of his squad, stating, “I believe we’ve got a strong squad, so I feel that I can turn to the bench and make five subs every game without the quality on the pitch changing.” This confidence is crucial as the team prepares for a challenging match against Celtic, where every player’s readiness to contribute can make a difference.

Preparing for the Celtic challenge

As the Staggies gear up for their encounter at Celtic Park, they will have to navigate the absence of captain Connor Randall, who is suspended after receiving a controversial yellow card. Cowie remarked on the situation, expressing disbelief at the decision that led to Randall’s booking. However, he remains optimistic about the options available to him, stating, “We have plenty of options, so it’s up to the players this week to put themselves forward and suggest they want to play.”

With players like Victor Loturi, Charlie Telfer, Scott Allardice, and Aidan Denholm ready to step in, Cowie is confident that his squad can rise to the occasion. The manager’s strategy involves not just fielding a starting eleven but utilizing the entire squad effectively to adapt to the game’s demands. “There probably isn’t such a thing as a starting 11 nowadays,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and readiness among all players.

As Ross County aims to build on their recent victory over Motherwell, moving them into eighth place in the Premiership, the focus will be on ensuring that every player, whether starting or coming off the bench, is prepared to make a significant impact. The upcoming match against Celtic will be a true test of the squad’s depth and the effectiveness of Cowie’s tactical approach.