Ross County boss is thrilled with central partnership
MALKY Mackay has hailed the flourishing central defensive partnership forged by Jack Baldwin and Alex Iacovitti.
The Ross County manager admits he had to work hard to persuade Iacovitti to remain in Dingwall this summer given opportunities elsewhere.
But he is thrilled by how the former Nottingham Forest centre half – a Stuart Kettlewell signing in 2020 – and vice-club captain Jack Baldwin have responded as a settled pairing.
Along with full-backs Callum Johnson and Ben Purrington, County’s solidity was evident for long spells of last weekend’s draw with Aberdeen.
Preparing for Motherwell this weekend, Mackay said the duo’s form meant he would “back them against anyone” in the Premiership.
“Alex has not stopped improving. He is a great advert for how to become a top player,” Mackay said. “He works hard every day, and he and Jack have a really good partnership.
“I knew what Jack could bring, from being a captain in England and behind that we also have Keith Watson, a top pro who is club captain.
“What I see in Alex is aggression and a will to defend. He just has that fierce desire to stop the ball going in the net.
“Jack has helped with his calming, cultured influence and, over the last year, Alex is as consistent a performer as we’ve had. With Ross Laidlaw and Stuart Callachan also forming that spine of our team, it gives us consistency.
“I would back them against anyone in this league.”
Mackay is wary of Motherwell’s threat after a good start under new boss Steven Hammell, adding: “We’ve got to be wary of the new manager bounce. He is certainly playing slightly differently, so it is going to be a really tough game.”
