Ross County faces challenges after heavy defeat to Celtic

Stand-in skipper Jordan White emphasizes the need for improvement ahead of Rangers clash.

In a recent match that highlighted the stark differences in performance levels, Ross County suffered a significant 5-0 defeat against Celtic at Parkhead. The Staggies, under the leadership of stand-in skipper Jordan White, are now faced with the daunting task of improving their game as they prepare to take on both Celtic and Rangers in Glasgow.

Disappointing performance against Celtic

The match, which took place on Saturday, saw Ross County unable to respond to the relentless pressure exerted by Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side, who currently sit atop the Premiership table. All five goals were scored within the first 40 minutes, showcasing Celtic’s attacking prowess and Ross County’s defensive frailties.

Notably, Luke McCowan, a former Dundee midfielder, stood out for the hosts, scoring the second goal after Liam Scales had opened the scoring with a header.

Despite the heavy loss, Ross County’s goalkeeper, Ross Laidlaw, who suffered a knee injury, was replaced by Jack Hamilton just before halftime. Hamilton managed to make two crucial saves in the second half, preventing further damage and providing a glimmer of hope for the Staggies.

Learning from heavy defeats

White, who captained the team in the absence of the suspended Connor Randall, acknowledged the harsh lessons learned from the match. He emphasized that the team does not want to accept defeat as a given when playing at venues like Celtic Park. “We’ve been really good at home,” he stated, expressing optimism about their upcoming match against Rangers. The Staggies have shown resilience in previous encounters, having lost narrowly to Celtic in October and achieving a memorable victory against Rangers earlier this year.

Reflecting on the match, White noted the importance of maintaining pride, especially after a disappointing first half. “Celtic were good and took their goals really well,” he remarked, adding that the first goal from a set-piece was particularly frustrating for the team. He stressed the need for Ross County to be braver on the ball and to recover quickly when faced with adversity.

Looking ahead to the Rangers clash

As Ross County gears up for their next challenge against Rangers, White is determined to turn the page on the heavy defeat. He believes that the team can showcase their capabilities, especially given their strong home performances this season. “Sunday is a chance for us to show we can do something,” he said, highlighting the importance of the upcoming match.

While the defeat to Celtic was a tough pill to swallow, White remains focused on the positives, particularly the team’s ability to keep a clean sheet in the second half. “If there’s a positive we can take from this game, that is probably it,” he concluded, emphasizing the need to move forward and learn from their experiences.

For more updates on Ross County and their journey in the league, fans are encouraged to visit the dedicated news page and join the community on social media.