Ross County manager Jim McIntyre says defender Marcus Fraser is worthy of a new contract after just two months with the club.
Fraser yesterday agreed a two-year extension to his Staggies contract, having impressed McIntyre in the eight games he has played for the Dingwall men since joining from Celtic in January.
The news came as a double boost for Fraser, 20, who on Monday was named in the Scotland under-21 squad for next Thursday’s friendly against Hungary.
McIntyre was delighted to secure Fraser until 2017, saying the defender has made the most of the opportunity County have handed him.
McIntyre said: “I’m delighted for him – he thoroughly deserves it.
“He had a really bad injury after coming through as one of the main young players for Celtic but has shown great character to bounce back from that.
“He got some game time on loan at Cowdenbeath and we’ve given him an opportunity here, which he’s taken.
“One of his main attributes is he’s a strong character and knows his own mind. He’s a determined individual who believes he can play at the highest level.
“We’ve given him that platform at Ross County and he appreciates and enjoys his work here, so it’s important we reward him – and we start to build.
“The chairman trusts me just to get on with that side of it. He knows what my plans are and what I’d like to do. We just feel Marcus is a very good young player and someone we want to tie down.”
Fraser has played his part in County’s recent five-match unbeaten run, which continued with Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Hamilton Accies on Saturday.
The Staggies had been 2-0 down after just 18 minutes, with McIntyre praising his side’s response through goals from attackers Craig Curran and Michael Gardyne.
McIntyre added: “We’ve come a long way but there have been games earlier in the season where we were goals down and come back.
” It’s easy to say being on a decent run is the reason we came back but I think that spirit and determination has been there.
“Sometimes, maybe, the quality is missing on the day but I was really pleased for the players. When we’re 2-0 down, we’ll gladly take a point away from home.”