Don Cowie says 'hard work' crucial if Ross County are to get result at Rangers

Don Cowie believes hard work has to underpin any hope Ross County have of upsetting Rangers at Ibrox on Wednesday night.

The 40-year-old former Scotland international was placed in charge of the struggling Staggies following the departure of Derek Adams, who resigned last Wednesday in the wake of a 5-0 defeat at Motherwell.

Cowie, who was assistant to both Adams and his predecessor Malky Mackay, will oversee a County team who are second bottom of the cinch Premiership, six points ahead of Livingston having played two games fewer.

Cowie knows Philippe Clement’s Rangers can leapfrog Celtic at the top of the table with a three-goal win.

The former midfielder, who began and ended his playing career with the Dingwall club either side of spells with Inverness, Watford, Cardiff, Wigan and Hearts, said: “Rangers are an excellent team on an excellent run but if we go there with a plan and the players pull together the way I know they can we can still create problems for them.

“First and foremost, the foundation for me is hard work. If you’re at Ross County and you want to achieve things, the cornerstone of that is to work hard.

“I want the fans to see players who’ve given everything to their club.

“I’m probably a clear indication of what you get if you work hard. Some of these players have far more ability than I had, but if you work hard, and maximise what you’ve got, you can achieve anything in football.

“My remit here is to take charge on an interim basis – there’s no timescale on that and the club are not actively looking for a manager.

“It’s my job to bring a calmness to the club, to make sure the players get going again and become competitive.

“It’s something I’ve aspired to be and it’s a club I know well and have had a long association with – so it’s a proud moment for me and my family.”

Connor Randall recently underwent surgery, while Scott Allardice and Ross Callachan (both knee), Ryan Leak and Dylan Smith (both ankle) and captain Jack Baldwin remain out.