Ross County midfielder Ryan Dow can look forward to pre-season for the first time in his career after being left in limbo last summer.
Dundee-born Dow was forced to do his own rehabilitation at the end of last season after leaving former club Dundee United while he was still trying to recover from a pelvic injury.
County manager Jim McIntyre came to Dow’s rescue last September when he brought the midfielder in until the end of the season.
Despite making a full recovery from the injury, Dow reckons having no pre-season has prevented him from finding his best form with the Staggies, but after being handed a new two-year contract earlier this week he believes he can kick on with the Dingwall men.
Dow said: “I knew I was going at the end of last season, I still did have a year’s option with Dundee United but I wanted to get a fresh challenge.
“But it wasn’t the nicest thing, with everything that happened with the injury.
“The manager here phoned when I was doing a bit of rehab myself, but it’s different when I’m in at a club.
“It wasn’t easy to come in after no pre-season work and I’ll always be grateful to the manager for bringing me in and giving me the chance to get fit.
“When I first came up to Dingwall the physio Kevin Bain was brilliant and sorted it out. That’s all behind me now and I’m just delighted the manager has shown a bit of faith in me to reward me with a new contract. This season has been a bit up and down. I never thought I’d say it, but I’m looking forward to having a good pre-season and hopefully I can kick on with no injury worries.”
Dow is determined to finish this campaign in style, with the Staggies virtually safe from the threat of relegation and on course to finish seventh.
County take on Dundee at Dens Park on Saturday, and Dow added: “The way the results at the weekend went, I know it’s not mathematically done yet, but there’s a bit less pressure on us.
“We can go out and play with a bit more freedom which will hopefully allow us to go and perform better.
“Even though we’ve played well in the last couple of games, there’s a bit of a weight off our shoulders knowing we’re not desperate, or scraping to get that win.
“With Dundee winning their last two I’m sure they’ll be the same. I’m sure it will be a good game between two in-form teams.”