DEREK Adams defended his decision to rest many of his table-topping stars as Ross County Tuesday's William Hill Scottish Cup replay 2-1 defeat by St Mirren.
Skipper Richard Brittain, defender Grant Munro, and top scorer Colin McMenamin were just three of the six first-teamers who sat out the fifth round replay. But the Staggies manager insists with a demanding run of Irn Bru Division One league games ahead, he had to shuffle the pack.
He said: "We gave some of our players a rest because we have an important league campaign to take care of. I was delighted with the players who came in and performed so well. Unfortunately, we didn't quite have enough to go through to the next round.
"We're into a run of eight games in 25 days - that's a lot of football. I said before that we could have done without a replay against St Mirren, but it was good that the other players got a game. They worked well, although I felt we lost two bad goals."
County lead the division by five points and have two games in hand over Dundee and Adams insists that had to be foremost in his mind ahead of the replay against their SPL opponents.
He explained: "The most important thing for us this season is our league campaign. I was brought back to this club to improve our league position. We've had a very good cup run in the past.
"We reached the Scottish Cup final two years ago. We wanted to win Tuesday's game, but it wasn't to be.
"Some of those who played this week have played in the SPL. For example, Russell Duncan has made more than 300 appearances in the Premier League, so we have good experience throughout the side."
Saints striker Steven Thompson was sent off for an apparent use of the elbow and the Victoria Park manager felt his side could have done more with their numerical advantage.
He said: "I thought we could have caused more problems against 10 men, but I think a few players tired towards the end, many had not had a lot of football, but we'll keep going."
This Saturday, County are at home to bottom side Ayr United before Morton come calling next Tuesday.
Adams wants nothing less than six points before their trip to Dens Park a week on Saturday.
He added: "These games against Ayr and Morton are important. We have to look to win these home games before we play Dundee."
