Ross County entertain Dundee United on Friday, live on BT Sport at 7.45pm.
Dingwall boss and former Tannadice striker Jim McIntyre took time out from his preparations to talk about his career in this week’s SPFL Spotlight.
What was the best goal you scored?
In terms of technical ability, it was a goal on Boxing Day 1996 for Kilmarnock at Easter Road. Jim Leighton was in goal for Hibs and I remember cracking the ball high into the top corner from a tight angle. It won the game 1-0.
In terms of importance, I have scored in three Scottish Cup semi-finals and they are all really special.
The first one was again for Kilmarnock in the same season, when I scored four minutes from time at Easter Road to see off Dundee United to end two of the most nervous games of football ever. The second was for Dundee United against Hibs, which levelled the scoring with 15 minutes to go, and it was from my favourite distance of two yards. I deflected in a shot from Barry Robson and we went on to win 2-1. The third was also against Hibs and that was my cheeky ‘dinked’ penalty for Dunfermline in 2007 that won the game for us 1-0.
What was the best game you played in?
The 1997 Scottish Cup Final between Kilmarnock and Falkirk. That was an unbelievable day and the only disappointment was that Paul Wright scored the winner for Killie and not me! I had the chance to make it 2-0 but Andy Gray just caught me as I ran through. The scenes afterwards with 40,000 on John Finnie Street in Kilmarnock were the stuff of dreams.
What is your favourite away ground?
I always enjoyed playing at Parkhead as the atmosphere was always terrific. I scored there with a lob over Gordon Marshall in my third game for Kilmarnock. I enjoyed Ibrox as well as that was usually a terrific atmosphere and also that was where the Scottish Cup Final was played.
What is your favourite other sport?
Golf, without a shadow of a doubt. I am big into it now, which is a surprise as I never took it up until I was 29 but I have had the bug ever since. I am a seven handicap now which has slipped from a six since I moved to Dingwall as I am not playing as much.
Which player in the world would you like to have played with?
Henrik Larsson – his goal record speaks for itself but he did not just score goals. He had terrific movement and was strong both mentally and physically.
What was your favourite pre-match meal?
When we were away and staying at a hotel it would be chicken and beans but if I was leaving from my home it would be several slices of toast and jam. As a manager it is poached eggs.
What is your favourite music?
I like my music and it was dance music I was into. Back when I was a player I was heavily involved in making the tapes up!
Who was the biggest moaner you played with?
There were a few and I am sure that they would all pick me in return! Charlie Miller liked a moan, as did Kevin McGowne and Mark Reilly, but Gus MacPherson tops them all!
Who was your most skilful team-mate?
Charlie Miller – He could have, and should have, graced any stage in the world.
Who was your worst dressed team-mate?
Craig Easton at Dundee United. He would come in wearing camouflage army jackets and corduroy trousers – horrific stuff.
Who was the best trainer?
I will go for two players I played alongside and two players I have managed. Mark Reilly at Kilmarnock was always working hard in training and Derek McInnes was another who always gave it his all. In terms of the boys I have managed, Mark Kerr was fantastic at training and Chris Higgins has always been a model professional.
Who was the best dancer?
I liked a good shuffle but I will go for Michael Paton at Queen of the South. Now that he is fit again he will be getting his dancing shoes on!
Craig Stewart
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