Ex Hearts star's transfer deadline day move explained as he brings 'great physical presence' to Scottish club
The former Hearts and Middlesbrough man has completed a transfer deadline day move.
The reasons behind a former Hearts star making a transfer deadline day move have come to light.
Uche Ikpeazu has swapped clubs in the Scottish Championship, joining Ross County from St Johnstone, having initially been brought to Perth by ex-Jambos gaffer Craig Levein. The Ugandan international made himself a physical presence to reckon with in two years at Hearts between 2018-2020 and has since featured for Middlesbrough, Cardiff City and more.
Having fought at the top of the Scottish second tier in the first half of this season, he will now look to keep the Staggies in the division. They have sacked Don Cowie and Tony Docherty as head coach amid a difficult return to the Championship.
Why has Uche Ikpeazu signed for Ross County?
Manager Stuart Kettlewell said: “I’m delighted to be adding Uche to the squad. He brings a wealth of experience to the club, having had successful spells in both Scotland and England, as well as having six international caps for Uganda.
“Uche brings a different style of play to our forward line – he is a great physical presence, and is a real handful in and around the forward areas. His hunger and attitude fit in well with the group, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
A club statement reads: “Ross County Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of striker Uche Ikpeazu! The Ugandan international joins the Staggies on a permanent deal from fellow Scottish Championship side St Johnstone FC. Uche was part of the Ugandan national side that competed in the Africa Cup of Nations, where he played two matches and scored once. The 30-year-old has featured 20 times for Saints this season, netting on four occasions. The forward has also previously enjoyed spells at Heart of Midlothian, Cardiff City, Middlesbrough, Wycombe Wanderers and Konyaspor.”
Sean Mackie on Ross County injury woes
Meanwhile, former Hibs player Sean Mackie is keen to make his mark at County after an injury-hit spell on loan from Falkirk so far. After completing his comeback at the weekend against Morton, the left-back said: "It would have been easy enough for County to walk away from the deal, especially knowing there wasn't a definitive timeline.
"It was a waiting game, both for me and for them. I'm grateful the club stuck by me, knowing the player I can be. They have given me that chance to get fully fit and show what I can do. The injury happened in a bounce game. It was crazy bad luck. I'd just signed on the Tuesday and we had a closed-doors game on the Wednesday.
"In the warm-up, I got caught on the ball and felt a pop in my hamstring. From the scan, it turned out it didn't look too bad maybe four weeks but it turned into a repetitive strain injury, which is really painful. There is no time-frame with that type of problem, it was just a case of seeing how it healed and recovered, and that was the worst bit. I'd just signed on loan from Falkirk, but hadn't kicked a ball for County yet. It was a bit of a nightmare for me, really. You're watching the team and you want to be out there, helping the boys. Fingers crossed, it is behind me now and I'm working back to full fitness."