DYRON Daal is enjoying the happiest spell of a wandering career after swapping Spanish shores for the Highlands of Scotland.
The Netherlands Antilles internationalist cut his teeth alongside the likes of Wes Sneijder in the world-famous Ajax youth system. He also starred for Aberdeen, before being loaned to Dundee. After a stint at St Johnstone, the 25-year-old tried his luck in the lower Spanish leagues with Fuenlabrada, before answering County's call in the summer.
And after helping County back up to fifth in the table with the only goal on Saturday, Daal said: "I would say the last four months here have been my most enjoyable in the game. It is definitely the happiest I've been in my career.
Obviously, playing every week is a big factor in that but it's also about knowing you are appreciated by the team.
"There's a good bunch of boys and, because everybody stays up here, we tend to socialise a lot as a group. All these things just make for a good atmosphere and helps build up the team spirit."
Daal's celebration was memorable after he slid into score when County finally cracked a tough Queens defence after 73 minutes. The leap and punch of delight in front of the Jail End supporters spoke of recent on-field frustration. "Coming on the back of my suspension and one or two postponements, it has seemed like ages since I've scored," said Daal. "So it is always good to get back to that and it was nice to do it in front of the fans."
The Dingwall side now have tough away games to Clyde and Livingston before a crucial rearranged league game at home to St Johnstone on Scottish Cup day. Success in those games would certainly hoist County into contention, but manager Derek Adams, stressed: "Our first priority is to achieve safety and then take it from there."
Opposite number Gordon Chisholm admitted: "We're in a dogfight now - we're down there and we've got to roll our sleeves up and show a bit of character."
"I think confidence is a big factor. The boys are just desperate to get a result and every wee mistake they make seems to be punished. But that's what happens when you're down there, everything goes against you."
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