Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has warned his players they must handle the ugly side of the game when they take on Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Saturday.
County drew 1-1 against Caley Thistle in Saturday’s Highland derby in Inverness, coming from behind to earn their fourth successive draw away from home through Jake Jervis’ late equaliser.
McIntyre was pleased with the character his side showed to earn its point, and but knows his rock-bottom Staggies will need another determined performance against a Dons side which has not lost in the league since a 2-1 defeat against Celtic on November 9 but is seeking to make amends for the 2-1 League Cup semi-final loss to Dundee United on Saturday.
McIntyre said: “We are in a tough run of games and there’s another tough one on Saturday.
“I thought we showed a lot of tenacity in the derby, winning a lot of tackles, headers, the gritty side of the game.
“That type of spirit and tenacity is what we need. That’s what pleased me most and I was encouraged, very much so.
“I felt we were comfortable in the first half and then we found ourselves a goal down just before the interval. I didn’t really know where it had come from.”
McIntyre claimed his side should have been ahead before Marley Watkins’ first-half goal for the Caley Jags, with youngster Tony Dingwall missing a fine chance to give County the lead.
Although relieved to have rallied for the draw, , McIntyre has urged his players to take the chances that come their way.
McIntyre added: “We had a great chance to score first with young Tony but unfortunately for us he put his shot right at the goalkeeper.
“But I thought the response was excellent. We just told the players to keep doing what they were doing and improve the end product. Although we got a bit of luck for the equaliser, we had other really good chances throughout the game. I think it was well-deserved.”