The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)

No margin for error as Staggies seek safety

- ANDY SKINNER

Ross County manager John Hughes says the Staggies must be prepared to show their mettle as they look to clinch Premiershi­p survival in their final two games of the season.

County host bottom side Hamilton Accies in a crunch fixture tonight, with a victory for the 10thplaced Staggies enough to ensure they cannot be automatica­lly relegated.

Should a County triumph be accompanie­d by a Kilmarnock loss to St Mirren, the Dingwall men would also be clear of the relegation play-off spot going into their final day fixture at Motherwell on Sunday.

With County approachin­g the final hurdle in their survival bid, Hughes hopes the tension of the dogfight can bring out the best in his players.

Hughes said: “It takes me back to my time at Falkirk when we were fighting relegation and we beat

Inverness in the last game of the season to stay in the league.

“We all know what’s at stake. Unfortunat­ely there has to be winners and losers in football and that’s the way it’s got to be.

“Brian (Rice) has got Hamilton well organised, they are hard-working and they never give up. What we have to do is prepare properly and let the lads do their stuff.

“We can’t underperfo­rm, there will be times we are under the cosh and we’ll have to be organised.

“But if we have the same work ethic and quality we showed against United, I am hoping it would be enough.

“We have to embrace and look forward to it – it’s in our own hands so let’s go out and take it.

“You can’t be a shrinking violet, you have to stand up to it – and that comes from carrying over everything from the training pitch.”

Although County’s fate is in their own hands, Hughes says there will be no scope for his side to underperfo­rm given how tightly compacted the bottom three is at present.

He added: “We have to concentrat­e, we know what’s at stake. It might put a wee bit more pressure on Hamilton, but it’s all about us.

“We have to reach the heights, the performanc­e level and work level that we did against Dundee United.

“It’s no coincidenc­e that most of the results we have had have been when we have been at our best.

“If we can do that for the remaining two games I think we could be all right.”

Midfielder Blair Spittal could once again feature after playing a part in both goals in their 2-0 victory over Dundee United on his return to the side.

Hughes said: “He’s one I can trust. When I’m doing my match preparatio­n and shaping it up, he’s already reading my mind. He’s in place and ready because he’s got that experience.”

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