GLENN MIDDLETON admits he feels reborn at Dundee United - and ready to fulfil his career potential.
The Scotland under 21 winger moved to Tannadice on a permanent deal this summer after four years at Ibrox and a previous spell at Norwich City.
Those years at bigger clubs were characterised by inconsistency and loan spells at Bradford City, Hibs and St Johnstone.
A fresh start was sought this summer and the 22-year-old’s stand-out performance in Dingwall was enough to suggest he may be close to recapturing his best.
After United toiled in the first half, Middleton provided the energy and spark to ignite the match and drag them back into the game in a much-improved second half.
It was Middleton’s tenacity and refusal to give up on a lost cause that led to the cross for Tony Watt’s leveller just after the hour.
In the first half, bottom of the table rivals Ross County deservedly led from a fine Ross Callachan finish, but United raised their levels after the break to add a point to victories over Hibs and Aberdeen.
Manager Liam Fox is striving for consistency in his ranks, both as a unit and individually - and cited Middleton’s performance as one that must be replicated week-in, week-out.
The winger said: “I feel I’m at a stage now where I’m ready to show what I can do for a full game or however long the manager wants me on the pitch.
“I feel I am in a good place now.
“It was a game where I was able to drive forward and be positive, and that’s just how I am.
“But sometimes I need to be reminded to be positive whenever I get the ball and the manager has been for me reminding me what I’m good at.
“He’s taken all of us under his wing and given us advicel.”
ROSS CALLACHAN felt Ross County let Dundee United off the hook after taking the lead in the opening half for the first time this season.
The midfielder, who struck the opener for the hosts six minutes before the break with a brilliantly guided finish, suggested the Staggies were unsure as to how to manage their hard-earned lead.
Rather than capitalise further on United’s frailties, the Dingwall team went on the back foot in the second period - and paid the price with Tony Watt’s leveller.
Victory would have lifted Malky Mackay’s men to ninth in the table, but instead they remain locked in the three-way fight at the table’s foot on nine points.
Despite enjoying his goal, Callachan admitted: “I’m also quite disappointed.
“We were leading and quite comfortable in the first half, doing a lot of things right and causing United problems by getting into wide areas and putting balls in the box.
“We stopped doing that in the second half.
“When we are on top we need to stay on top, and I think we let Dundee United off the hook.
“Maybe because we haven’t been in front many times this season we tried to protect what we had, which is understandable.
“But we’ve got to recognise what’s hurting the opposition.
“We’ve spoken about it and we’ll do our debrief during the week - and hopefully get better.”
