PREVIEW | Saints v Ross County

Saints welcome Ross County to McDiarmid Park tomorrow for the first home fixture of the 2019/20 season.

The Betfred Cup Group B clash kicks-off at 3PM and following Tuesday's disappointment at Links Park against Montrose it's vital that Tommy Wright's men get a result on Sunday afternoon to keep their hopes of progressing to the next round alive.

Standing in the way are the winners of the Ladbrokes Championship last season and our visitors from Dingwall come into the match on the back of two wins from their opening two Group Stage matches.

Looking ahead to the match, the Manager says he is expecting a reaction from his players after the 1-0 defeat against Montrose last time out.

"When you get a defeat and performance like the one through the week you just want to get back out there as soon as possible to put it right," Tommy said.

"Tomorrow is the perfect opportunity to do that. We're at home, on a bigger and better pitch, and it's our first game at McDiarmid Park this season.

"The game is live on TV and it's set up perfectly for us. The players have got everything to look forward to and I'm sure they're all going to be up for it when that whistle blows on Sunday afternoon."

Having watched the Ladbrokes Premiership newboys face Montrose on the opening round of Group B fixtures, the Manager and his staff know how dangerous tomorrow's opponents will be but they know that anything other than a win will mean elimination from the competition.

"They looked strong at home to Montrose and they are a big side with lots of energy and legs in the midfield," said Tommy.

"They'll be dangerous from set plays and have options up top with the likes of McKay who is a proven goalscorer.

"Winning breeds confidence and they'll still be on a high from last season but we're at home and we fancy ourselves against anybody here. It's going to have to be a good performance for 90 minutes because they have players who can cause problems.

"It was hugely disappointing the other night and the injuries we had are no excuse as the team sent out should have been able to win the match.

"It's now a difficult task for us to get out the group and simply we must win against Ross County and in our final two matches after that to progress.

"If we don't win then our Betfred Cup campaign is over. A draw and penalties will most likely not be enough so we have to be positive and on the front foot from the off to go out and win the match."

The squad has been hampered by injuries in recent weeks but the manager is likely to be able to welcome back a handful of players who have been struggling with knocks in recent weeks although he could be without 21-year-old striker Callum Hendry who has a back problem.

"I was able to risk Zander, Ando and Liam on the bench on Tuesday night," Tommy said, "so all three of them will be available to play tomorrow.

"We have other players coming back in as well which is great because it means I have more options both in the starting XI and from the bench if I need to make changes.

"Chris Kane could be back in contention and the same for David Wotherspoon although it's probably too soon for Matty Kennedy to return. He'll train today but I don't think we'll risk him tomorrow.

"We do have another injury concern with Callum Hendry who took a knock to his back against Montrose and he may have to sit out against Ross County but we're looking stronger and looking forward to what really is a must-win game for us to keep our hopes of progressing alive."

Tomorrow's match is LIVE on Saints TV and BT Sport.

Subscribers can watch the Manager and the captain Jason Kerr's interviews on Saints TV now.

Only the Main (West) Stand is open for our two Betfred Cup Group stage home matches against Ross County FC and Brechin City FC.

Season Ticket holders are reminded that their Season Tickets are valid for the two group stage matches in this competition and they will be able to access the West Stand using their new Season Ticket Cards.

For non-Season Ticket holders, an advance ticket can be purchased online ONLY and the Ticket (either printed at home or displayed on a smartphone) can be presented at any of the turnstiles.

However, cash admission IS available to home supporters at turnstiles 3, 4 and 5 – supporters will be issued with a ticket upon entry at the turnstile.

West Stand Season Ticket holders are entitled to their own reserved seat whilst Season Ticket holders from the East and South Stand are welcome to sit in any unreserved standard seat.

Visiting supporters can use turnstiles 6 and 7 to gain access to their area and it is cash admission for County and City fans.