Jim McIntyre hails Ross County match winner Michael Gardyne
Ross County manager Jim McIntyre praised midfielder Michael Gardyne for his man-of-the-match performance in a 3-2 win against Kilmarnock at the Global Energy Stadium.
Ross County manager Jim McIntyre praised midfielder Michael Gardyne for his man-of-the-match performance in a 3-2 win against Kilmarnock at the Global Energy Stadium.
Gardyne had a hand in County's opener and struck twice in the second half to overturn a 2-1 deficit as County went on to complete back-to-back home wins in the Premiership.
McIntyre said: We really needed Michael Gardyne in top form in that second half - he was the one for me that sparked it.
He really was giving young (Mark) O'Hara a torrid time and it always looked like, if we were to get back in the game, it would come through Michael.
He has been really valuable since we came in the door, to be honest. He has just got better and better. He's a far more consistent player now than what he was a couple of years ago. He's doing it with far greater regularity.
To be record scorer now is a fantastic achievement for him, passing Sean Higgins.
It was a great night for him, capped off by getting three points for the team.''
Gardyne crossed for Craig Curran's opener but goals from Tope Obadeyi and Josh Magennis gave the visitors a 2-1 lead early in the second half.
But within the space of eight minutes Gardyne had scored twice to turn the game on its head.
On the game as a whole, McIntyre added: We started the game fantastically well and looked a real threat, got the goal and could have had a couple more.
The character of the players in coming from behind is never in doubt. We've got matchwinners in our team.''
Killie boss Gary Locke praised his side's commitment despite a third defeat in four outings.
He said: It was disappointing that when we went 2-1 in front, we just couldn't hold the lead for long enough.
Credit to the players, as we've had a difficult few days. There have been a lot of them ill, and three or four of them that were not fully fit had to play.
They gave everything they possibly had. I certainly can't fault them for their effort or commitment. On another day we could have got a point.''