Ross County must keep pressure on in cup defence - Jim McIntyre
Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has told his players they must keep the pressure on their Betfred Cup rivals as they bid to maintain the defence of the trophy at Alloa.
Defeat at the Indodrill Stadium on Tuesday will spell the end of County's hopes of qualifying for the second round, after Group D leaders Raith Rovers left Dingwall with two points on Saturday.
McIntyre said: "We need a favour now, we need to win both our games. Our match against Alloa will be difficult in itself. We know we need to do our bit, but it's out of our hands to finish top."
McIntyre will be without Martin Woods, who suffered an injury against Rovers, leaving his midfield further short following Jackson Irvine's move to Burton Albion.
"Martin's injury was disappointing, he took a sore one on his knee," McIntyre said. "He will definitely miss Tuesday night and possibly next weekend as well. It's not great considering we're already short in that area."
Alloa sit two points above County in second spot and manager Jack Ross is delighted to have the chance to knock out the holders.
Ross said: "When the fixtures came out we knew that if we won against Cove Rangers at home and then Montrose away we would put ourselves in with a chance of qualifying by defeating Ross County or Raith Rovers in our final two games.
"We have done the first part but winning this game will be really tough, especially as County only picked up the one point at the weekend and will be even more determined to win."
Source: PAR
