Ivan Sproule fired up for County debut after lack of action at Hibs

FORMER Hibs winger Ivan Sproule has pledged to play a big part in continuing the Ross County success story after failing to hold down a regular starting spot during his second spell at Easter Road.

The Northern Ireland international – whose electric pace made him a favourite of the Hibs support as he helped them lift the League Cup in 2007 – joined County on an 18-month deal earlier this month and could make his debut against St Mirren this afternoon. He has been impressed by his new club’s efforts so far in their first campaign in the top-flight, after an incredible unbeaten run saw them win promotion from the Irn-Bru First Division.

Country sit second bottom of the table but have a nine-point advantage, and a game in hand, over Dundee and Sproule hopes he can provide a further boost to their survival hopes. He said: “I’m here to do a job. It’s a big challenge for myself and my family but it’s one that I relish and look forward to. Ross County have had a meteoric rise. The footballers here, and the club as a whole, deserve great credit.

“I’ve come here to be part of that progression and help move Ross County up the league. I’ve come here to try to push the team on, along with all the other boys. The lads have given a great account of themselves in this SPL campaign. I’m just keen to get started.” Today’s trip to Paisley will be County’s first match since a Boxing Day win over Sproule’s old club, and he added: “If the first half of the season was important, the second half of the season is even more important. If we can have a strong January now and pick up a few points, it will really help us.”

St Mirren may have pulled away from Dundee before the winter break but they still have to keep an eye on the Dens Park side, according to midfielder Gary Teale. Saints were unbeaten in four games over Christmas and new year, which took them 13 points clear of the struggling Taysiders, albeit having played a game more.

However, Teale said: “We don’t think that Dundee are cast adrift. People said that earlier on in the season and then we went on a run where we didn’t win for six games. They caught up with us and when we played them they could have gone above us, so it shows how easily it is done.

“But our aspirations are top six. The league is so tight that two results will probably put us up and to where we think we should be in the league.”