Striker Brian Graham insists Ross County are relishing the challenge of facing the big boys of Scottish football next season.
The Championship winners bid farewell to the Championship with a 3-2 defeat at Falkirk on Saturday.
There was a surreal atmosphere at full-time as the defeat did not take the gloss of County’s campaign while the win for the Bairns was not enough to keep Falkirk in the Championship with Ray MacKinnon’s side dropping to League 1 on goal difference despite their victory.
While there was despondency among the home fans it is a case of onwards and upwards for County and a new challenge.
Graham said: “We’ve won two trophies this season and I have two medals so I will enjoy my summer. I’m just pleased we don’t have the play-offs and can have a rest. We know it will be a hard task but we will relish it.
“Celtic have been dominating for a few years and Rangers are getting closer. The likes of Hearts and Kilmarnock are coming on and they will be strong too.”
Graham played a key role in his side’s two goals, setting up both efforts but he was critical of Falkirk’s Ciaran McKenna, accusing the Bairns’ defender of trying to get him sent off.
Graham was booked for an off-the-ball incident and was relieved his collision with McKenna did not result in an early dismissal.
He said: “He has tried to con the ref. Every time I went in the box he tried to give me a cuddle. We’re playing football, not wrestling.”