Martin Woods believes he can draw on harsh lessons learned in last season’s English Championship relegation scrap to help spare Ross County the drop.
The seasoned Anglo-Scot, now plying his trade in his native land for the first time with the Dingwall team, was snapped up by Barnsley amid last year’s ill-fated fight for survival.
With the Staggies now locked in bottom place below St Mirren, it is a case of deja vu for Woods, the Airdrie-born former Leeds United, Sunderland and Rotherham midfielder.
A crushing Highland derby defeat on home soil on New Year’s Day has only heightened County’s need for points.
The 29-year-old said: “I’ve been in a couple of relegation situations in England. Last year at Barnsley, it was tough being rock bottom of the Championship. But you can count on these experiences.
“There were a lot of good boys in the dressing-room but when I signed there was a lot of negativity as well, with people talking about team-mates and the manager not doing things right.
“So I can draw on those experiences and, if I see any of that creeping in here, I’ll pounce on it, because that’s the last thing we need. We all need to fight together, stick together and find some consistent form.”
Woods would never question the commitment of his team-mates, but admits the team’s attitude is absolutely crucial this month.
The Dundee test is followed by clashes with endangered Partick and St Mirren, before further big tests against Celtic and Caley Thistle again.
Woods added: “Effort and commitment will be key. The derby wasn’t good enough. Last week against Celtic we were really together and worked really hard for each other. Against Inverness we were all over the place.
“So we all need to get back on the same page.”
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