Ross County goal hero Simon Murray: I feel like I’m in my prime

Simon Murray spoke about being in his “prime” after his double against Raith Rovers on Sunday ensured Ross County’s cinch Premiership survival.

The 32-year-old striker scored twice in the 4-0 play-off second-leg victory over the Championship side in a convincing 6-1 aggregate win for Don Cowie’s side in Dingwall.

A close-range header and a terrific strike took the former Dundee United, Hibernian and Queen’s Park striker to a commendable 23 goals in 46 appearances for the season.

Murray, who signed for the Staggies in January 2023 and helped them through the play-off final against Partick Thistle last season, said: “I feel like I am in my prime.

“My career has been a whirlwind and I have loved it all. I still feel hungry and, since Don Cowie has taken over, he’s given me that freedom and showed belief in me.

“He knows what I’m like and he lets me do what I want to do.

“I have loved this season. There have been ups and downs but we’ve had good results too, such as beating Rangers for the first time and against Hearts and Hibs.

“We must build upon that. We don’t want to be in this position every year.

“It’s good Ross County are still in the Premiership, but as a player we want more and hopefully we can get that.

“As a squad, we were disappointed that we were down in the play-off again.”

Murray started his senior career at Montrose and played Junior football with Tayport and Dundee Violet before resuming his senior career with Arbroath and a move to Dundee United saw him initially loaned back to the Gayfield Park club.

The energetic attacker had a loan spell at Dundee during his time at Hibs and a move to South African club Bidvest Wits preceded his move to then League Two club Queen’s Park in September 2020.

The County striker likes nothing more than to prove any sceptics wrong, saying: “In my whole career, with every club I’ve joined, I’ve had doubters, but I have always loved that because I like proving myself and working hard.

“You always have people, no matter what sort of player you are, who don’t think you’re good enough. Some fans love you, some don’t.

“But I’m the one on the training ground and I’ve always had the belief in myself.

“When I was at Queen’s Park, Owen Coyle put the belief back into me. When I came to Ross County, I had that again.

“I always had a point to prove and that gives you the hunger when you come into training every day.”