Boss reluctantly accepts Reid loss

Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell insists he can understand the hard line Covid -19 measures which will likely rule left-back Josh Reid out of tomorrow’s Premiership match against Hibernian.

Reid has been ordered to self- isolate having been part of the Scotland under19s squad which was dissolved after head coach Billy Stark tested positive last Thursday, despite the 18-year-old since returning several negative test results at Victoria Park.

Although Kettlewell is disappointed to be without Reid for 14 days, the County boss is supportive of a cautious approach while so many uncertainties over coronavirus remain.

Kettlewell said: “It looks as if it’s going to be the full 14 days.

“He has tested negative twice with ourselves, maybe even three times since he came back, so from our point of view it’s a definite frustration. We get the world that we’re living in, but if someone has two or three negative tests you’re hoping to have that player for selection.

“That’s the advice given from the NHS, though, which ultimately cascades through the SFA and on to ourselves.

“Obviously, in footballing terms, there’s a great deal of frustration.

“I’m not actively out there groaning about it, because there has been a number of clubs in similar situations – if not worse situations – than what we’re looking at just now.

“Until we know a bit more about the virus, and the incubation periods and whether you can get it for a second time, I think we are dealing with the complete unknown so I understand that hardline approach.”

Kettlewell confirmed keeper Ross Doohan and midfielder Stephen Kelly will also undergo testing following their return from duty with Scotland’s under21s, who played a doubleheader against Czech Republic and San Marino.

Kettlewell stopped short of indicating he will refuse to allow players to go away with their countries.

He added: “It’s probably a bit early for us to start saying we’re not going to send players on international duty. I’ve read a bit about that in the last few days, but it’s an honour and privilege to play for your country.

“We have actually been chomping at the bit over the last few years for Josh Reid to get recognition.

“If we go into the next international windows and there are major problems, maybe collectively we assess the situation, but people are catching the virus at their own clubs, too – look at Kilmarnock’s situation.

“To say it’ s purely happening when these guys are away on international duty is probably a bit inaccurate. Billy Stark is the guy well documented to have flagged up the virus, and he’s somebody I’m close with, so it’s a situation where we hope he’s all right and wish him all the best.

“For me to start groaning about individual players would be a little bit naive.”

Veteran defender Carl Tremarco played County’s Betfred Cup matches against Montrose and Arbroath, but Kettlewell insists he has options to cover the left-back slot in Reid’s absence.

He added: “We have got a couple of options in terms of our system and personnel. Carl has had the benefit of getting two full matches.

“Whether it’s Carl or somebody else in the squad, or whether it’s a change in formation, it’s for me to have a think about it.

“I’ve got a plan in my head and it will just be a case of getting the correct personnel to deliver that game plan.”

UNAVAILABLE: Ross County’s Josh Reid, left, is self-isolating after his Scotland U19s coach Billy Stark tested positive.