Ross County co-manager Steven Ferguson says the capture of Dunfermline striker Declan McManus fits the hungry profile of player the Staggies are looking to recruit.
Former Aberdeen player McManus has joined the Staggies on a free transfer after leaving the Pars, where he netted 13 goals in 44 appearances after joining from Raith Rovers last summer.
McManus began his career at Pittodrie but did not net in 13 appearances prior to leaving the Dons to join English side Fleetwood Town in 2015.
Ferguson feels the 23-year-old will be determined to earn a second crack at playing in the top-flight by helping the Staggies reclaim their Premiership status, and he said: “Stuart Kettlewell and I have kept track of Declan for a while. We are trying to bring in players that have a hunger and a desire to do well. The couple of signings this week in Jamie Lindsay and Declan show that, regarding a 22-year-old and a 23-year-old that have both played games, and both have ability to go with the desire they have. It’s exciting.
“We feel it’s important the players know the environment. Declan was well schooled at Aberdeen and made appearances for them as a young boy. He has been out on loan to a few clubs in the Championship where he has done well, and got his move down to England.
“Although he is only 23 he is a young player that comes with experience, and a knowledge of what’s expected at that level.
“Stuart and I have spoken to Declan and he has a hunger and desire to play at the highest level he can in Scotland. He has a desire to do well and get out of the Championship. In terms of the personnel Stuart and I are looking to fill the team with, he profiles very well regarding his age, the games he has played and the experience he has had.
“We are delighted to have him on board and we look forward to working with him. We see it as a real complement to the strikers we have at the club, he will bring something different with his raw pace and power and his willingness to try and run in behind.
“We see that as a real positive in the front area of the pitch.”
McManus becomes County’s fourth signing of the summer, following the additions of midfielders Iain Vigurs, Josh Mullin and Lindsay, and Ferguson feels the Dingwall squad is taking shape.
He added: “We’re happy with the stage we are at. We are still looking to potentially bring in another three or four players, and there’s a lot of things going on, but there’s a lot of things between the discussions we are having and getting it over the line.
“We are happy with the players we’ve got so far, that’s for sure. The new additions are all really positive and we look forward to working with them.”
