Scotland star sends league upstarts top of table as Il Toro flourish under ex-Rangers defender

Ross Stewart scores stunning strike as Ross County beat St Johnstone at Dingwall

Ross County claimed top spot in the cinch Premiership standings as former Rangers defender David van Zanten inspired a 2-0 home win over St Johnstone.

Scotland international Ross Stewart fired County ahead in the ninth minute with a sublime strike from outside the box after latching onto van Zanten's defence-splitting pass before fellow Dutchman van Zanten doubled the lead just before the break with a header from a Blair Spittal corner.

Van Zanten impresses in new County role

Van Zanten, capped once by the Netherlands Under-21 side, made the move to the Highlands in July following a successful trial period.

The 23-year-old former ADO Den Haag full-back is predominantly a right-back but has been deployed as a left-sided centre-back by Malky Mackay in the opening two games of the league campaign.

And the Dutchman has flourished in the role, impressing both defensively and offensively.

Stats prove van Zanten's impact

Against Saints, van Zanten made more tackles (3) and interceptions (3) than any other player on the pitch.

He also completed more passes (58) than any of his team-mates and created two chances.

What the manager said

"David was outstanding," said Mackay.

"He's come in and hit the ground running.

"He's a young player with a lot of potential and I'm delighted with his start to the season."

What the player said

"I'm really enjoying it here," said van Zanten.

"I'm playing regularly and I'm learning a lot.

"The manager has been great with me and I'm really excited about the future."

What's next for County?

County will look to maintain their 100 per cent start to the season when they host Hibernian in the Premier Sports Cup on Tuesday night before travelling to face Motherwell in the league on Saturday.