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International break can help Ross County reach full potential in Scottish Premiership, according to Staggies midfielder Jordan Tillson


By Alasdair Fraser

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Jordan Tillson believes Ross County can use the international break as a springboard to improved league form.

Last season, the Staggies were slow starters under Malky Mackay, having only completed squad rebuilding work in late August.

The September and October lay-offs for Scotland action proved crucial in giving the squad time to absorb the manager’s ideas and work on the finer details of how he wanted them to play.

Jordan Tillson clashes with Celtic’s Matt O’Reilly in last month’s Premiership defeat in Dingwall. Picture: Kenny Ramsay
Jordan Tillson clashes with Celtic’s Matt O’Reilly in last month’s Premiership defeat in Dingwall. Picture: Kenny Ramsay

Two international breaks and 10 Premiership games without a win were behind the Dingwall team by the time they clicked and grasped their first victory against Dundee.

This season, the first victory – against Kilmarnock – came before August was out, with hard-earned points taken in the last two outings against Aberdeen and St Johnstone.

“The international break last year definitely helped us kick on a bit after the difficult start,” Tillson said.

“We’ll similarly try to use this spell as a platform for the next part of the campaign. I feel we’ve put some good performances in, playing some of the really tough teams in the league – Rangers, Celtic, Aberdeen and Hearts.

“They are all tough games to play in and I feel like we put in good performances against all of them. The next bit is picking up results and climbing the table.

“We’re kind of used to these breaks in the season now, where it is time to get some serious work in.

“Also, it is time to get a bit of rest, given the period of games we have coming up between this break and the winter break for the World Cup.

“It is an important time for us in terms of what it could mean for our season.”

The 29-year-old, who joined the club in summer 2020 under Stuart Kettlewell, added: “We’ve a good core of players that have been here for the whole time with the gaffer and understand what he wants.

“We’re trying to get everyone else onto the same page. The signs are good.”


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