Ross County captain Richard Brittain is determined not to let the international break disrupt his side’s upturn in fortunes, ahead of today’s Premiership visit of champions Celtic.
County registered their first points of the season with a 2-1 home win against Dundee before a 1-1 draw against Highland rivals Caley Thistle in their last outing.
Midfielder Brittain knows the size of the task against the Hoops, but has taken great encouragement from the way the Staggies have progressed under manager Jim McIntyre, who replaced Derek Adams last month.
Brittain said: “Maybe the break came at the wrong time because we had a win and a draw.
“It doesn’t sound much but we had to start an unbeaten run sometime.
“We were playing some really good football against Dundee and in the first half against Inverness, we deserved our lead.
“The way we dug in in the second half of the derby showed a different side to our game and we were all working hard for each other.
“Without a shadow of a doubt we’ll need that against Celtic.
“The champions are coming up here – one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
Celtic’s form has been shaky under new manager Ronny Deila, with the Parkhead side sixth in the table having won just four out of eight games.
Brittain believes Celtic’s recent form is irrelevant, but reckons County can take confidence from having beaten them at Victoria Park in their debut top-flight season.
Brittain added: “It’ll be a very difficult game for us. I’m not sure if there is a good time to play Celtic. They’ve got world-class players throughout their squad so it’s going to be a difficult game regardless of their previous results.
“We beat them up here 3-2 the season before last so we know we can do it. At home we’re a match for any team and we need to make this place a fortress again to start climbing the league table.
“The players who have been there before need to use their experience and help the new players through it.
“It’s unlike any other league game we will play, but one we’re all looking forward to.”