Ross County defender Andrew Davies believes the experience within the Staggies’ backline will hold his side in good stead for the remainder of the season.
The Dingwall side surged to sixth place after a strong run of form at the end of 2016, putting Jim McIntyre’s men on course to secure successive top-half finishes for the first time in the club’s history.
Davies has been an impressive performer at the heart of County’s defence, with the 32-year-old forming partnerships with fellow veterans Jay McEveley and Paul Quinn at different stages of the season, the latter having recently recovered from a hamstring injury which kept him out for six weeks.
With only two places up for grabs, Englishman Davies is confident the Highlanders will be formidable at the back regardless of which pairing McIntyre selects.
Former Middlesbrough player Davies said: “I used to play against Jay when he was a young boy at Everton. I’ve always rated Jay very highly.
“He’s had a fantastic career and it is crazy how we’ve both ended up in the same place playing with each other, really.
“It’s crazy which path careers send players down. But Jay has played in the English Premier League and at a really good level his whole career. When you see him play, you can tell why he’s played at that level. I’m enjoying playing with him.
“With Paul Quinn back to fitness, it is going to be a right battle for places. Paul was doing really well before his injury problems.
“But through my career, through Paul’s career and through Jay’s career, we’re used to battling it out with top centre halves, fighting for our place. Nothing’s different now.
“We’re in it together so whoever plays, whoever is involved, we’re all pulling in the same direction.”
Davies reckons his advancing years have helped to bring the best out of him for County and he added: “As I’ve got older, I’ve become a lot wiser. In my career, I’ve had a lot of injuries but I’ve always felt as I’ve got older I’ve become a better defender by knowing when to go in for those tackles and when not to.
“Even just with the headers as a young boy I kind of just wanted to impress everyone and throw myself at everything. But as I’ve get older I’ve become more confident as a person and know more what I’m doing and when to do it.”