County are going to Hampden to meet Celtic in the semi-finals

Ross County manager Derek Adams hailed his players' strength of character after they beat Hibernian to set up a Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic.

"I thought we created a lot of opportunities and it's a fabulous result for us," he told BBC Scotland.

"The players have been great all season, they have a great team spirit and never know when they are beaten.

"It's unbelievable; a small town going to the semi-final of the Scottish Cup. It's a dream occasion for us."

A crowd of 5,607, more than the entire population of Dingwall, watched as First Division County came from behind to win the sixth round replay 2-1 to set up a Hampden showdown with Celtic.

The victory was sealed by Scott Boyd's header on 90 minutes, which came after Garry Wood's scrambled equaliser twenty minutes earlier.

"I thought our performance was exceptional," added Adams. "From start to finish we played very well.

"We went a goal down and came right back into the game.

"In the first game we lost the first goal and we were 2-1 down, so we knew we had the character in the dressing room."

Despite County reaching the dizzy heights of the semi-finals for the first time in their history, Adams was already looking ahead to Saturday's clash with Division One leaders Dundee.

"I never enjoy the moment," he explained. "I always look forward to the next game. Maybe that's wrong.

"I'll be preparing for Dundee on Saturday. That's the way I am."

County have stumbled in the league recently but are seven points behind Dundee, with three games in hand.

I'm not worried about being a community club, I want to be in the Premier League George Adams Ross County director of football

The manager was not drawn on how County would fare against Celtic at Hampden but his father, George, director of football at the club, was more forthcoming.

"Who's to say we can't, with the endeavour and spirit that we've got at the club," was his response, when asked if Celtic could be beaten.

"Nobody expected us to beat Hibs but we thoroughly deserved it.

"The boys played very well. They worked hard and I think the result lets you know where we are going.

"The players are a credit to Ross County and a credit to the First Division."

Adams senior was also bullish about the prospect of reaching the top flight next season.

"We've come a long way in a short time and that's great for the town," he continued.

"I'll tell you openly that I've had many fights with the board. I don't think they are positive enough. I'm not worried about being a community club, I want to be in the Premier League.

"And unless we get rid of this community idea, we're going nowhere. We want to play at the highest level and you can seen that we are capable of it."

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