JIM McIntyre is the latest of Ian McCall's former players to land an SPFL Premiership job after his appointment as Ross County manager, writes Mark Guidi.

During times in charge of Falkirk, Dundee United and Partick Thistle, McCall gave several of his senior squad men a taste of the coaching side of the game and many responded positively.

Derek McInnes, Jackie McNamara, John Hughes and Alan Archibald were under McCall and all are now thriving in the top flight.

McCall is convinced McIntyre will do the same and wouldn't mind replacing him at Queen of the South.

"It makes me very proud to see the guys in top jobs and going from strength to strength," McCall said. "More importantly, they are all good guys in different ways, all very genuine. I'm delighted to see Jimmy McIntyre back in the Premiership.

"He took a hit with Dunfermline a couple of years ago - as all managers do at some stage - and it's about how you bounce back. Jimmy recovered and took Queen of the South into the play-offs last season and that has attracted Ross County to him.

"I gave these guys [Premiership managers] the chance to sample coaching, [because] they are all leaders and always had the respect of their peers. I identified that and promoted them.

"It will be interesting to see how they all do in the season ahead. People like to talk about philosophies and all that kind of stuff and I can understand that but you have to have your players playing for you.

"Seeing Jimmy take another step up has only heightened my own feelings to get back into the game. I have the bug again. I have more than 15 years' experience as a manager and I want to put that to good use.

"I know Queen of the South inside out and I would welcome the opportunity to go back there and manage again. Maybe my chance will come sooner rather than later."