MacKay eyes a steadier Staggies as squad begins to take shape
The Ross County boss believes their next transfer window will be less fraught
Last updated 19th Aug 2021
The challenge of getting points on the board doesn't get any easier for Ross County boss Malky MacKay this weekend.
After a 3-0 loss at Hibernian, the Staggies aim to upset the odds against Rangers, but the Ibrox side are a club they have never beaten.
"I'm expecting the Champions of Scotland. I've a great respect for them - they have a talented manager and a talented team - we're in for a tough game this weekend"
"We need that bit more bravery on the ball in-and-out of possession", added MacKay, "we need to see those signs that we're getting to know each other better-and-better. That we start to become a team that are hard to beat and we can go and attack teams"
However, added to their record against Rangers of late, County have failed to score against the Gers in the last six outings between the sides, and the Dingwall side have yet to register a goal so far this season.
An opening 0-0 against the double cup winners St Johnstone saw MacKay's side grateful of a point given County's early season setbacks and the transition between last term's squad and the new-look side.
A tenth addition arrived on Tuesday with Watford winger Joseph Hungbo signing on-loan for the full season, but the manager's been keen to point out that this early period was always going to be a rough ride given the turnover with 15 players leaving.
Speaking after Hungbo's arrival, MacKay said: "I've a good relationship with the club (Watford) having been there a number of years and they have got good people in"
"We quickly did a deal for him, although there were various other clubs circling"
"Joseph's a young exciting winger who Watford have got high hopes for and it was time for him to go out on loan"
"We looked at a variety of players, we had a number of different options and a few plates spinning. He's come up and joined us and he's an exceptional young man"
"Joseph's a good addition, he looks lively and brings a bit of pace to the squad"
Efforts are still on-going for County to strengthen with the manager still keen to avoid the necessity to put young inexperienced players on the bench.
MacKay still believes that this will be a "bumpy" period for the club until things settle down, with fewer loans, and more permanent additions later in the New Year transfer window.
"What I want to do is link up with as many clubs as I can - certainly in England - it's a massive market down there" said MacKay, "I've been down there the last 20 years and I've a lot of friends and contacts"
"Partnerships happen when both parties are comfortable and relaxed with each other"
"They (the parent club) have got to see that there's a reason for sending their player here - there's a responsibility - whether it's the facilities, there's vibe there, or there's a manager who sees the needs of the player - there has to be a sense of worth from the parent club"