Ross County must learn from Celtic's ruthlessness in front of goal, says Kettlewell
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
If football was played from 18-yard line to 18-yard line, Stuart Kettlewell would back Ross County to rival the Premiership’s best.
It is those fine margins of reaction and awareness within both penalty boxes that so often separate champions from also-rans, as Celtic demonstrated so clinically on Saturday.
The Staggies’ adventurous, creative performance might not have merited a 5-0 thumping, but their manager pointed to a clear need for improvement in crucial aspects of the display.
Approaching St Johnstone on Saturday, he is looking for the same performance levels in open play, but with more ruthless, streetwise contributions in attack and defence.
“If our players give me that level of performance for the next 30-something games, I’d be delighted,” Kettlewell said.
“But the finer details, inside the penalty box, must improve. It would be very naive to say I’d be happy if the whole display stayed the same.
“From three set plays, a penalty and from being slack in possession, Celtic scored their goals. We need to turn those situations in our favour. What we do in and around the penalty box has to be better.
“We’ll look to improve, but I hope we can mirror the performance in open play.”
County’s players studied video immediately after the Celtic defeat, but Kettlewell was also quick to emphasise positives.
“I have been involved in games against Celtic when we have won and not played a patch on what we did,” he said. “If that doesn’t give the players reassurance at this level, I don’t know what does.
“We are quite a young team and that brings a little bit of naivety. It’s important to learn quickly. We are trying to implement a style of play to excite our fans.”
Saturday’s trip to Perth represents a completely different challenge.
“St Johnstone will think they can expose us in certain situations,” the manager said.
“It’s now up to us to stand up and be counted in those situations, but also to play in the same fashion between 18-yard lines. With good retention and control of the ball, we will create chances.”
Read the full edition of today's North Star here.
