“We have had a bit of a break although of few of the lads like myself have been away. Although we have not played for a few weeks now the confidence is still high. The atmosphere around the place is great and training has been good since I got back at it. We are looking forward to getting going again and hitting the ground running.

“As players we like playing games so during the international break it can be a bit strange for the guys who are not away but it gives them a chance to take their minds off things and gives them the chance to relax for a few days. I think that is important because it is a long season. Trying to stay fully focused for 12 months of the year is a difficult thing to do.

“I didn't think the international break will knock us off our stride. We had a lot of games over the two weeks so as I say it gives everyone a breather. Everyone is now back and we are just focusing on the game on Saturday although we know we have some big games coming up.
 
“Having more competition for places does not affect me. I have always wanted to be the top scorer at whatever club I have been at. That does not matter if there has been one or ten strikers at a club. It is something I always look to do. The manager has brought in a lot of attacking threats which gives us greater options for different games and allows the manager to change things.

“In three of the last four games we had players who came off the bench to score winners. We are going to need that over the whole season as it is a long season as I said. Having an improved squad can only help.

“Ross County have had a couple of decent results away from home recently. They obviously set up well and are difficult to break down. It is up to us to come up with ways to beat them.

“I enjoyed being with Ireland last week. It is good to know that if you do well with your club then you will get international recognition. Last year Jonny was playing great and manged to get himself a couple of caps and he is back in the squad again. And so did Danny Rogers. It is good that the Irish coaching staff are watching our games, they spoke about that when we were away.

“The main thing though is that you keep playing well for your club.”