Owen Coyle does not believe he has lowered his professional standards by taking on the role of Ross County boss.

The 51-year-old former St Johnstone boss has replaced Jim McIntyre in the Staggies' dugout and will take charge for the trip to Kilmarnock on Saturday.

He previously managed in the English Premier League when he was in charge of Burnley and Bolton, as well as taking charge of Wigan Athletic, Blackburn Rovers and Houston Dynamo.

Coyle said he was delighted to join the Highlanders and return to Scottish football.

"Football is the same game," he told STV.

"There are different levels but Ross County are at the highest level of Scottish football, which is a high level in itself.

"I come here, I don't have any ego. I come from the Gorbals in Glasgow, from a family of nine and I love the game of football."

He added: "I said what was important was getting the feeling I could work with the right person.

"I know, and every manager that's been here will tell you, the chairman has always been very supportive of them if they've tried to do things to improve the club so that was a huge thing for me.

"That doesn't faze me, I'm here and I want to do a job to keep building this football club and the community."

Coyle played for Ross County during the 2000/01 season when he joined on a three-month loan.

Despite only playing seven games during his spell he says he understands the environment he has returned to.

"I know the club and I know how much the community love their team," he said.

"It's important to recognise that because the fans at any club play a huge part.

"We have to make sure we put a team on the field that's reflective of those supporters, a team that have passion, work hard and are trying to win in the right way."