BBC Scotland’s Tom English answers your Ross County questions

BBC Scotland’s chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering some of your questions on Ross County.

Anon asked: How does Don Cowie address the lack of goals while in most games being able to provide a solid defensive performance? Do you agree the lack of creating chances will end up at County once again being in a relegation battle?

Tom answered: In a one-word answer to your second question, yes. You’ll know the numbers and they’re stark, aren’t they? Ten goals scored in 13 games. No goal in the last three. Six league games where they’ve not scored. Ronan Hale was a very good signing, but he needs help.

Away from home, one goal scored. Also, there’s a ruinous habit of conceding late goals home and away. Three conceded beyond the 90th minute, another in the 88th minute, another in the 84th minute. Some of those cost you points. It’s a double whammy. Points-per-game wise, you’re on a very similar trajectory to last season.

I think Hearts will get out of trouble fairly soon. Hibs are awful but I suspect they’ll clamber out of danger eventually. I wouldn’t bet the house on it, but I think they’ll be okay. That leaves yourselves and St Johnstone, same as last season.

Defensively, you’ve looked decent (apart from the last day) and that’s a plus. How does Cowie address the lack of goals? A winger in January? Some creativity and pace. Ross County have made decent January signings in the past and they’re going to have to do it again.