BALDWIN: BREAK’S GOOD AS A REST FOR US
JACK BALDWIN believes the World Cup break could provide the biggest boost to smaller clubs with tight squads.
Rejuvenated himself on the fitness front after five weeks away from matches, the Staggies’ vice-captain believes County will be among those to benefit through the rest of the season.
Baldwin, Connor Randall and Ben Paton are back after injury lay-offs, while Ben Purrington and Ross Callachan are not far behind them.
County picked up crucial wins against St Mirren and Hibs before laying down the tools, finishing the pre-World Cup fixtures with a valiant 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park. Rather than lose momentum, Baldwin reckons the break with family followed by hard work in the Spanish sunshine and the Dingwall chill will set them up perfectly for the restart.
He said: “The lads picked up a bit of momentum going into the break, so we have the chance to carry that on and hopefully have a good winter period.
“It was a chance for the lads to go away, regroup and refresh the minds ready to go into what is going to be a difficult second half of the season. It’s a busy winter period, with the cup game coming in January as well.
“You could say the break came at a bad time but on the flip side it’s good to get results in the bank then enjoy the break and come back refreshed and raring to go.
“We’ve had a few lads with long-term injuries that are filtering back in now. The squad is looking healthy again.
“We know with the five subs bigger clubs will probably have an advantage because the depth of their squads is massive. For us, then, it will also help to have a bigger squad again.”