Billy Mckay is excited by the potential of Celtic youngster Ewan Henderson after watching Ross County’s new addition showcase his skills in training.
The highly-rated 19-year-old, who joined the Staggies on a season-long loan before the international break, could make his debut at home to St Mirren this weekend.
With the Dingwall team eager to bounce back from consecutive Premiership defeats to Livingston and Aberdeen, much of the emphasis in training has been on tightening up defensively.
But County’s co-management team are also keen to avoid diluting the team’s attacking potency.
Striker Mckay, pictured right, was last season’s top scorer with 20 goals despite breaking his arm in February and is intrigued by the prospect of harnessing Henderson’s creative talents.
Mckay said: “Ewan looks like he has an eye for a goal and an eye for a pass. I can see why he is highly-rated at Celtic. We’re excited to see what he can do on a Saturday and I’m excited to see if I can link up with him.
“I’ve only trained with Ewan two or three times so far, but he seems very creative and looks like he will be able to get in between the lines and trouble the opposition.
“Hopefully he will add another really good option to the strong squad we already have.”
St Mirren’s visit will bring County’s third Premiership test in front of their own fans following the win against Hamilton Accies and the disappointment of losing to Gary Holt’s Livingston.
The international break offered the players and management an extended chance to work on the defensive frailties evident in recent matches.
The former Wigan Athletic, Caley Thistle and Dundee United striker feels certain the squad’s self-belief will be as strong as ever despite recent setbacks.
Mckay added: “The last couple of results haven’t been what we wanted, but the lads’ attitude has been great.
“We’d probably rather not have had a week off and, instead, got straight back into action, but it has been good in terms of getting ourselves refreshed and ready to go.
“There is a spirit and confidence within the team we have built up over more than a season and it isn’t just going to disappear after a couple of poor results.
“We keep going, keep working hard and believe in ourselves. That’s been the mood this week and we can’t wait for Saturday now.”