Europe is Ross County’s next big ambition after Premiership top six success
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JACK Baldwin sees no reason why Ross County cannot target a historic first European football adventure after top six success.
The Staggies skipper signalled his team’s intent after the Premiership minnows booked their first top half finale since Jim McIntyre’s success in 2016.
As wild celebrations ebbed, the former Peterborough, Sunderland and Bristol Rovers defender, man of the match in the 1-0 victory, reflected calmly on the next challenge.
Along with the Old Firm, County will face Hearts, Dundee United and Motherwell in post-split fixtures, all teams they have held or beaten this season.
The league’s top four are guaranteed European football this summer while there could also be a fifth European Conference League place depending on the Scottish Cup outcome.
“We’re in the mix now. With five games to go, anything can happen,” Baldwin stressed. “All of the teams will fancy their chances.
“We’re there on merit and there’s no reason why we can’t challenge for Europe too. We spoke in the changing room immediately after the Aberdeen win. Other than Celtic and Rangers who pose their own threat, the rest of the games present a massive opportunity.
“We won’t be there to make up the numbers. We have a strong group and a belief we can go and really challenge in this last part of the season.”
Baldwin summed up his pride at the achievement, sealed from the penalty spot late on by Jo Hungbo.
“It is hard to put into words,” he admitted. “The atmosphere after the game was something I’ll never forget. There’s a process happening at Ross County and to see that come to fruition is just fantastic. We’ve got some fantastic people at Ross County, who have seen the club rise from the Highland League.
“We believe in what we do and have some fantastic talent in the squad. For us players to do them justice for the work these people do off the pitch means a lot.”
