Midfielder Scott Brown’s performances for Scotland have emphasised the threat the Celtic captain poses to Ross County, according to Staggies manager Jim McIntyre.
The Premiership champions are in Dingwall today for the 12.45pm kick-off, with Brown one of several players returning from international duty.
Brown was influential as Scotland defeated Georgia 1-0 last weekend and then drew 2-2 draw with Poland in Warsaw in midweek.
And McIntyre believes the 29-year-old has had a similar impact for his club this season after returning from a hamstring injury.
McIntyre said: “He was fantastic. I thought it was a great performance from Scotland, and Scott was right at the heart of that. He’s a quality player and has been for years.
“His early season injury really affected Celtic and it shows what a key player he is for them. No-one wants to see good players out injured. I want to see them playing, and likewise my players will want to test themselves against good players. Scott is a benchmark.”
McIntyre has called on his side to show belief they can pick up a result against Ronny Deila’s side this afternoon, but despite Celtic’s uncertain start to the season the Staggies manager is under no illusions about the challenge.
McIntyre added: “Of course it’s not impossible. We know it’s difficult, but any game is winnable.
“We’ve got to go into every game believing we can win it, and it’s about making sure we defend properly. Nine times out of 10 against the Old Firm the goalkeeper has to have a good game, because they will create chances.
“The one thing the team has done well since we’ve come in is create chances, and we want to make sure that continues.
“We know how difficult a game we face against the champions and they’ll be hurting from their loss to Hamilton at home last time out.
“Their form has been up and down, but they’ve got a team full of international players.”