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Ross County chairman Roy MacGregor has decided he cannot compromise his religious beliefs by attending his team's Scottish Cup tie with Rangers at Dingwall on February 18 – because that is a Sunday.
Speaking exclusively to The Press and Journal yesterday, the Victoria Park chairman said that he was putting his personal convictions and his family first when he made this decision. He hoped that everyone connected with the club would understand and that they would all get behind Gordon McRae, Alastair Kennedy and Neale Cooper as they prepare for Ross County's "big night".
The SFA immediately switched the match from Saturday, February 17, to Sky's 6.05pm Sunday slot, leaving the County chairman with a difficult decision to make.
Ross County will today sign former Aberdeen midfielder Hugh Robertson on a free transfer from Dundee – and he could play in the Rangers tie.
Robertson, who has just completed a three-month loan spell with Ayr United, is understood to have agreed terms with Ross County after talks with manager Neale Cooper and the County chairman.
Robertson trained with the County squad yesterday and is believed to be ready to sign a two-year contract today once his move has been cleared by Dundee manager Ivano Bonetti.
Bonetti was checking on his walking wounded after Wednesday night's 3-2 derby defeat by Dundee United at Dens Park.
Provided Bonetti does not keep Robertson on as cover for the SPL game against St Mirren at Love Street tomorrow, County will have the 25-year-old Aberdonian signed in time to be eligible to play against Rangers.
The Scottish Cup tie has triggered cup fever among the club's corporate fans and its terracing support. To meet this requirement it is planned that a marquee will be erected behind Victoria Park's East Stand to cope with the massive demand for corporate hospitality.
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Ross County have completed the signing of Dundee midfielder Hugh Robertson.
The player goes straight into the County squad for today's First Division match against Raith Rovers at Kirkcaldy.
County boss Neale Cooper said of the left-sided midfielder: "Hugh offers a solid presence. He is an experienced player who has played at the top level with Dundee and Aberdeen and I am sure he will do well for us. Hugh is a strong player with a great left foot – as many teams have found to their cost – and he will give us an added goal threat from the middle of the park."
Robertson is looking forward to resuming his football career having been left out of Ivano Bonetti's plans at Dens Park.
Robertson said: "We had a problem at the Dundee end which I was worried about but that has been resolved and I can't wait to get started.
"I'm delighted to get the opportunity to be playing regular football on a Saturday again. Neale really sold the club to me and they have an excellent set-up in Dingwall.
"We have a huge game coming up later in the month against Rangers but that will take care of itself. Right now I'm concentrating on helping County move up the table."
Cooper has the task of keeping his side focused at Stark's Park in the face of Dingwall cup fever. County fans are already looking ahead to their glamour cup tie against the champions. Cooper said: "The club has been the focal point of the town this week but the main issue for me has been the inactivity due to the weather. We have had a lot of problems with our training pitch frozen solid.
"Just when it looked like the weather was taking a turn for the better, the heavy rain has come and flooded the training ground, making conditions practically impossible."
Marc Millar, Frank Escalon, Eddie Cunnington and Derek Holmes are all out.
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It may be another fortnight away but already Ross County are reaping the benefits of their Scottish Cup tie against Rangers.
County turned in a superb away performance to dump Raith 4-0 as the Dingwall players pulled out all the stops to hold on to their places.
Assistant manager Gordon Chisholm said: "The fact that the Rangers game is coming up has added a little bit of spice. With everybody fit now, there is already competition and nobody wants to lose their jersey. Considering we've not played a great deal recently, either in games or training, we were delighted to go away from home and get a result like that. In the first-half we thought the boys lacked a little bit of match sharpness but that's something that can only be improved by playing games."
County handed new signing Hugh Robertson his debut at left back in place of the suspended Eddie Cunnington.
Robertson, signed from Dundee on Thursday, received a vote of approval from his new management team and Chisholm added: "Hugh came straight into the team and had a good debut. He looked comfortable and the fact that he already knows quite a few of the boys has helped him to settle quickly. Hugh will be a good addition to our squad."
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Football fans will see Ross County in a new light in the Tennents Scottish Cup clash against Rangers at Victoria Park, Dingwall.
County are to install auxiliary floodlighting pylons for the big game and the Dingwall club will also hog the spotlight right after the tie on Sunday, February 18, as the fifth-round draw will take place at the ground.
The sell-out fourth-round tie is to be screened live on Sky and County chief executive Alastair Kennedy said: "We are hiring a specialist floodlighting system to augment our own, specifically for the Rangers game, although Sky was happy enough with our lights as they are. We have also been asked to make a room available for the televised fifth-round draw.
"We have been told by Sky that 15 cameras will be used for the live broadcast and felt that, with the eyes of the footballing world on Dingwall that night, additional lights would prove advantageous.
"We have met Sky representatives to discuss the arrangements for the game. We walked around the stadium and decided on the best sites for the cameras, including remote-controlled ones behind each goal. The scaffolders should have been erecting the first camera positions this morning but the recent bad weather has delayed their start."
Kennedy added: "We will have 56 Sky personnel to look after on the day, along with 500 corporate guests, 250 of whom will be accommodated in the Ross and Victoria Suites and another 250 in what we are calling the jubilee marquee for what I'm sure will be a night to remember.
"I would love to think that we will still be in the fifth-round draw ourselves, although I must admit I would happily settle for another crack at Rangers at Ibrox before we progress."
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Ross County midfielder Karim Boukraa will not be too overawed by Rangers in Sunday's big cup tie in Dingwall.
For the Frenchman has played in bigger matches on his native soil.
As Neale Cooper's County prepare to meet the Ibrox holders in the Tennents Scottish Cup at Victoria Park, Boukraa said: "I have played in France for Le Havre against teams like Monaco, Paris St Germain and Nantes, so a game against Rangers is not so special for me.
"Since I came to play my football in Scotland, I have found the game to be very physical and you have to be strong. But I am really enjoying playing for Ross County and, now that the sun has replaced the snow, we can train every day on grass, which makes a real difference for me.
"I must admit the cold weather does seem to affect me as I always take a little while to warm up in a game. But I usually manage to improve and play my part.
"I really like to play in the biggest games and the Rangers tie is one of those. Despite the big crowd and exciting atmosphere, I should manage to stay cool and calm and enjoy the occasion."
Boukraa added: "Some of my friends from home have telephoned me to find out if they can watch the game on satellite television. I believe they will be able to, so I'm very pleased about that.
"The fact that Frank Escalon was already here in Dingwall has been a big help to me and, of course, Landry Zahani-Oni is also now with Ross County. Neale Cooper has made us very welcome at the club.
"I must admit that I don't know very much about Rangers, although I have played against their reserve goalkeeper, Lionel Charbonnier, when he was with Auxerre.
"I like to play just behind the two strikers and I am pleased that in the short time I have been with County I have formed an excellent understanding with Darren Henderson on the left side. We got to know each other's style of play early on and we seem to work well together on the pitch. We have to start the game against Rangers well and keep our concentration but I have no doubt that it is a game we are capable of winning."
After joining County from Morton on a free transfer, Boukraa exploded on to the North scene in the 3-3 festive derby against Caley Thistle at Caledonian Stadium when his midfield prompting, incisive runs and close control inspired the Dingwall side to a 3-1 lead until two last-gasp goals from Dennis Wyness earned Jags a draw.
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In an age when overpaid Italians can sulk in financial splendour for three inactive seasons, Owen Coyle is a refreshing throwback.
If it came to a straight choice, the veteran Dunfermline Athletic striker would be happier playing park football than sticking around to warm the SPL benches on lavish wages.
Still, the pub leagues can wait for now - the well-preserved 34-year-old’s successful loan spell with Ross County has highlighted a performer still near the peak of his powers.
The latest in a long line of career appearances against Rangers - also spanning spells with Clydebank, Airdrie, Dundee United and Motherwell - is the reward for willing graft and humility. Dunfermline manager Jimmy Calderwood might have discarded the once-capped Republic of Ireland frontman from his immediate thinking, but the player has set his sights on a quick return to active top-flight status.
His strong running, creative touch and goalscoring ability will offer ambitious Ross County a tiny glimmer of hope when the Ibrox millionaires come calling on Sunday evening. And although he intends seeking first team football at a bigger club next season, for now Coyle is hellbent on repaying the Highlanders for putting the fun back in his season.
Having, ironically, opted out of an Old Firm encounter with Celtic the day before sealing a move north, Coyle said: "I’ve had a fantastic ten weeks here at Ross County.
"When I came north I obviously had no idea we would be facing Rangers - I was only after a regular 90 minutes and was asked to help steer them away from relegation danger. But I’m delighted for everyone involved at Victoria Park, particularly the chairman who has put so much into pushing a small provincial club up the leagues."
The easy option for Coyle might have been to preserve his status as an SPL fringe player ahead of the usual summer wheeling and dealing, with a view to scooping one last big pay-off in the Premier ranks.
His general outlook on life and zest for football ruled that one out, though, and there were other influences.
A spell at Bolton created a strong bond of friendship with Alan Stubbs, and Coyle was clearly moved and inspired by the Celtic defender’s courageous fight against cancer.
He said: "I just love playing football and when you see a guy like Alan having that taken away from him, however briefly, you realise how precious it is.
"I don’t want to say too much about Alan’s situation, because he’s not the sort of person who likes making a big deal about it. But suffice to say, he has been an inspiration to me and a lot of others who know him. I consider him a close friend and someone I admire very much.
"At the end of the day, I’m no different from Alan - I just want to play football. After working on the training pitch from Monday to Friday, every player wants a game at the end of it.
"I could have stayed at Dunfermline and clicked my heels on the bench, but I’d rather play for 90 minutes in the First Division than watch from the sidelines at Ibrox or Celtic Park.
"I often think I’m the luckiest guy in the world to get paid for my hobby. If I wasn’t being paid for playing football, I’d be kicking a ball about the park every Saturday with my pals for nothing."
Ross County are guaranteed a £100,000 Sky TV pay-out for the live televised clash with Rangers, plus upwards of £60,000 in gate receipts for a 6,500 capacity attendance, with tickets having sold out in less than an hour.
For the Dingwall side, the Coyle deal was a financial gamble which has already paid off richly.
Despite the back-to-back defeats at the hands of Celtic, the striker isn’t buying any talk of a demoralised Rangers crumbling like the Parkhead side did against Inverness Caley Thistle last season. He said: "Rangers losing twice to Celtic won’t affect how they play against Ross County. Nor will it affect how Ross County prepare for the game. Neale Cooper prepares us the same for every game - he wants us to go out and win it.
"But although Rangers have suffered a massive setback, they are good professionals and have some of the best players in Europe. We’re not under any illusions about the scale of the task."
Sunday’s game gives Coyle a chance to remind SPL managers - including Calderwood - of what he can do. But the veteran insists he would be far from unhappy at extending his stay in the Highlands should an SPL return fail to materialise.
"I think people know I can still play at the highest level, but the great thing for me is that I feel County are not far off top flight standard. These guys have got a terrific opportunity to show how good they are in front of a British TV audience.
"I’m sure Rangers will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the facilities and stadium and, although it is a great platform for me personally, to play before live cameras, I don’t feel I have that much to prove.
"At the moment, my loan deal expires at the end of the month, and that will bring it to the maximum three months allowed, but you never know what’s around the corner."
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Ross County manager Neale Cooper was lavish in his praise of his players after last night's battling Scottish Cup performance against Rangers.
An emotional Cooper said: "The boys should all be proud of themselves as they put in a brilliant performance. They did tremendously well to fight back after going 2-0 down.
"I'm disappointed and pleased at the same time. We were 2-0 down and it looked like being a rout but two great goals from Alex Bone brought us level.
Bad marking cost us the third goal but I felt we'd a cast-iron penalty turned down for a foul on Derek Holmes late in the game."
The County boss was delighted with the performance of Dingwall midfielder Stevie Ferguson. Cooper said: "I thought that Stevie was outstanding against international players such as Tugay, Reyna and, of course, Barry Ferguson.
"It was a fantastic feeling to see that second goal go in from Alex Bone and that really set the whole place buzzing."
Rangers manager Dick Advocaat, a relieved man at the final whistle, said: "The results yesterday showed how difficult it is to play away from home in the cup.
"We started well and scored two excellent goals from Flo. He scored two goals out of nothing and that's the sign of a quality striker.
"You will soon know what kind of player he is. He's at a club in a difficult situation with so many regular players out, but again what he showed was good."
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Steven Ferguson may have finished on the losing side as Ross County went down to Rangers in the Scottish on Sunday but manager Neale Cooper hailed the midfielder's performance as one of the finest in the Dingwall club's history.
Cooper believes the former Hearts ball boy outshone established Rangers internationals Tugay and Barry Ferguson in the midfield but the 23-year-old, who joined County from Dunfermline in November, 1996, revealed professional pride spurred him and his teammates on.
He said: "It was a huge game for me, not just because it was a sell-out crowd but also because it was on live TV. Rangers are used to playing in front of big crowds but we were determined not to let ourselves down in front of the country.
"If you can't motivate yourself when playing the cup holders then there's something wrong. I relished the opportunity to get stuck in and think I held my own in the midfield. While I've been flattered by all the praise, it was a team effort and we all worked very hard."
Ferguson also took time out to praise the Dingwall fans, who roared their side on from the first minute to the last.
He said: "It was a great atmosphere and the fans were very vocal. The supporters really got behind us and it would have been great if we could have got a draw and given them a day out at Ibrox."
County boss Cooper believes his side missed that little piece of good fortune which could have made a cup upset a real possibility.
He said: "I thought we had a real chance and we kept going at them. It was a fantastic feeling to see that second goal and the place was buzzing.
"It's a shame we didn't get the rub of the green which could have made all the difference."
Following their efforts against Rangers on Sunday, County have declined to play their rearranged First Division match at Morton tomorrow. The match will now be played a week today.
Cooper said: "We talked about this and felt that after our cup tie and with our lads having the day off today it was a bit much for us to travel to play on Wednesday and then again at Airdrie on Saturday."
Caley Thistle were due to host Morton a week today but, with Jags involved in a Scottish Cup replay against Kilmarnock, the Greenock club will now meet Ross County instead.
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Ross County face a fixture headache after the Scottish Football League granted Airdrie's request to postpone of tomorrow's Bell's First Division clash between two clubs.
County were due to travel to New Broomfield tomorrow but due to the current crisis at Airdrie, the SFL yesterday decided to give the Lanarkshire side time to get their house in order.
Manager Neale Cooper yesterday expressed his frustration at the decision, which means his side is now five matches behind schedule.
He said: "We are really disappointed, but it's the league's decision and we can't do anything about it.
"We were four games behind the other teams because of bad weather, now we are five behind.
"It's going to mean we will be playing in midweek as well as on Saturdays from now until the end of the season."
However, Cooper admitted the fixture nightmare might not prove to as big a problem as it might have been.
He said: "We have a lot of players coming back from injury, so it could be a lot worse.
"If we had a lot of players out then we would have struggled with games coming in such quick succession."
County's next First Division match will be an away trip to Morton on Wednesday night (February 28).
Meanwhile, Cooper insisted he has been delighted with loan signing Owen Coyle's contribution to County's cause since his arrival from Dunfermline three months ago.
He said: "Owen has been fantastic since he came here and his presence in the dressing room has really encouraged the lads.
"Owen plays his last game for us against Morton. I just wish we hadn't had so many postponements during his time here.
"He may have been able to play in more games than he has been able to."
And Cooper continued to lavish praise on his side following their hugely impressive Tennent's Scottish Cup performance against the holders Rangers last weekend.
Cooper's side came from two goals behind to shock Dick Advocaat's multi-million pound outfit, before finally succumbing to a late Barry Ferguson goal.
The County manager has told his stars they have set a standard which he will be looking for them to maintain in their remaining league games.
"We have not been doing to badly in the league, but the lads have set a standard now and it's up to them to produce that kind of performance week in week out."
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Ross County will be hoping to reach Greenock tonight for their Bell's First Division match with Morton after failing to get beyond Stirling at the last attempt.
Their first attempt to play the match was called off late in the day when the Dingwall side was at Stirling services for a break before going on to Greenock.
Now County manager Neale Cooper hopes it will not prove to be another wasted journey with the match subject to an 11am pitch inspection today.
With heavy snow forecast for all parts of Scotland, Cooper admits the situation is outwith his control.
The Cappielow pitch is expected to pass the test of the referee, but the main concern could be the condition of the roads for the travelling team and supporters.
Cooper said: "We will just prepare the best we can for the game and see what happens. We have been told that it is getting colder down there but there is nothing we can do about it.
"The last time we tried to play this we got as far as Stirling but that has happened to us a few times this season."
Despite County's 3-2 defeat by Rangers in the Scottish Cup spirits are still high in the Dingwall camp. For Morton, however, it is a far different situation.
Another home defeat last Saturday, by Clyde, looks certain to lead to relegation for the Greenock club this season.
Cooper added: "By all accounts Morton were fighting for everything against Clyde on Saturday. Ally Maxwell has since taken over and he will be looking to bounce back from that defeat.
"The pitch will be heavy but some times you just have to battle.
"A problem for us this week has been trying to train in the last couple of days, but we will just get on with it."
Morton will be boosted by Maxwell's first signing as manager in former Peterhead midfielder Scott Paterson on a one-month deal.
Maxwell said: "I'm delighted Scott has agreed to join us. It couldn't have come at a better time.
"Scott is obviously keeping his options open by signing for a month, but it's a period when we have five vital games.
"I'm also hopeful that he might sign for longer once this spell is up."
County's Ian Maxwell has a knock on his foot and is doubtful for the match. Apart from this injury scare, County will take the squad which performed so ably against Rangers in the Tennent's Scottish Cup.
Morton are likely to be without injured midfield duo Harry Curran and Stevie Aitken.
The Ross County Squad: Walker, Perry, Robertson, Maxwell, Irvine, Ferguson, McCormick, Fraser, Coyle, Bone, Boukraa, Holmes, Henderson and Mackay.
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