Eamonn Brophy is grateful to be playing his part in Ross County’s Premiership survival drive after being sidelined for their dramatic escape last term.
Forward Brophy joined the Staggies on a permanent deal last summer, after impressing on a loan deal from St Mirren in the second half of the previous campaign.
Although he netted three goals in eight outings, his temporary spell was cut short by a ruptured quad in a match against St Johnstone.
That meant Brophy was a spectator for County’s thrilling play-off match against Championship Partick Thistle, in which they clawed back a three-goal deficit before triumphing on penalties.
With the Staggies once again battling for safety, albeit two points ahead of St Johnstone who occupy the play-off spot, Brophy is eager to play a major role for his side this time around.
Brophy tried to support team-mates 12 months ago
Ahead of today’s Premiership visit of Motherwell, Brophy said: “Last season I got an injury, and I wasn’t able to be involved.
“I still came up to watch games as much as I could to support the boys. But not being able to help the team was tough.
“I was just glad the boys did it for this club. I was here on loan so I didn’t know my situation at the time, but I had good relationships with people so I wanted the club to stay up.
“It was difficult, but I was so happy and relieved that they were able to do that in the end.
“I wanted to help as much as I could. But obviously I wasn’t too sure what was going to happen in the summer either way.
“I wanted to come back here – I made that clear before the play-off games took place, and I’m here now.
“I’m here next season, too, so it changes my career if we go down. I don’t want to be playing Championship football, just like I’m sure nobody at this club wants to be – or St Johnstone, I’m sure.
“It’s a massive few games coming up to make sure we’re in this league again next year.”
Simon Murray on sparking form
Brophy led the line alongside Simon Murray in last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Hibernian.
Murray struck his 19th goal of the season to cancel out Hibs’ opener, before Brophy’s second half replacement Jordan White netted a late winner.
Brophy has been hugely impressed with Murray’s return, as he chases down the 20-goal tally for the campaign.
The 28-year-old added: “All season Simon has been good, and he has been fit for every game, which is a challenge in itself.
“He has been fantastic – he’s got 19 goals this season, which is unbelievable.
“He’s great around the place. I enjoy playing with him, and Jordan as well.
“Simon is obviously full of energy and he causes problems. He has been in very good form for the full season.”
Striker aiming to retain place in Staggies side
Brophy has been in and out of the Staggies side throughout the season, with a return of four goals from 26 matches.
Staggies interim boss Don Cowie has been keen to rotate his attacking options, which he hopes can present further opportunities for him to add to his tally.
Brophy added: “Even when you play and do well, you’re not guaranteed to play the next game.
“Sometimes we change shape, but the manager makes it clear that everyone is just as important as each other.
“When you get an opportunity, it’s up to you to take it if you want to play from the start.
“Whoever plays well gets that jersey – and it works.”
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