Dundee United manager Maxi Paatelainen say his side need only look at Saturday’s opponents for inspiration in achieving an escape act.
The Tangerines visit Dingwall still 11 points adrift at the bottom of the league but buoyed by last weekend’s dramatic winner over Hearts.
County were sitting bottom of the table with 12 points after a 4-0 defeat by Aberdeen on February 7 last year, but Jim McIntyre’s side claimed 25 points from their next nine games to get out of relegation danger.
“They are a good example of what can be done through hard work,” Paatelainen said.
“I want to pay compliment to the players and coaching staff. Jim has done a fantastic job there.
“We know exactly how they felt last season. They used their opportunity, after a couple of victories they used their momentum and confidence to stay up. It was a tremendous achievement.
“And the way they have gone forward from that this season, they are in the top six at the moment, the League Cup final, the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup. After last season’s dangers they have really gone forward. it’s a great example.”
Meanwhile, Paatelainen explained the thinking behind last Saturday’s pre-match show of solidarity among the players, which was similar to the Celtic huddle.
“It wasn’t a huddle, it was a cuddle,” he said. “Dundee United do a cuddle not a huddle, just to make that clear!
“Assistant head coach Gordon Young suggested to the players they should do something like that and that’s what they did. Because the unity is there, the squad is fantastic, the boys really pull together and I think it’s good to show that out there.”
Midfielder Guy Demel will miss out after sustaining a hamstring strain against Hearts.
Defender Callum Morris suffered a setback after returning to training following a knee injury and striker Henri Anier is suspended.