Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has challenged his squad to do the dirty work if they are to drag themselves away from the foot of the Scottish Premiership.
The Staggies manager has already outlined his intention to bring attacking football to Victoria Park, however believes his side must show more resilience, starting today at Pittodrie against Aberdeen.
McIntyre said: “The players have to do the ugly side of the game, do their jobs well and make sure they’re prepared to do the dirty side of the game.
“We have to do that better, but I felt we did that against Motherwell because they didn’t cut us open many times.
“That will have to be the case at Pittodrie as well, because we have to defend well there.
“We will be put under pressure but I think we’ll create chances too – so when they come we’ve got to take them.
“We’ll be set up to try to win the game, that’s for sure.
“We have attacking players in our side, but we’re aware Aberdeen are a threat.
“I was encouraged by a lot of things in the Motherwell game, we just need to put a bit of finishing on to it.
“It’s about adding a bit of quality on the end of our play but that will come.
“Starting well is the crucial thing against Aberdeen. If we do that we’ll play with confidence.”
McIntyre played alongside Dons manager Derek McInnes at Dundee United, prior to working under him as a first-team coach at Bristol City.
The County manager is looking forward to being reacquainted with McInnes, and is a strong admirer of the job he has done at Pittodrie
McIntyre added: “Obviously I know Derek very well, he’s a former team-mate and a former working colleague as well.
“He’s done a fantastic job there, he’s built a strong side and has given hope back to the people of Aberdeen.
“He won a cup, which is huge for them, and had a very successful season last year.
“They’ve probably not started this season the way he wanted but they’re still very strong, especially at home.”