Hughes: Ross County can’t afford to underperform against Hamilton
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Ross County manager John Hughes is looking for a repeat performance from his players against Hamilton tomorrow night to take a giant step towards Premiership safety.
If the Staggies beat their relegation rivals in Dingwall, it will mean at worst they will be faced with a play-off – and if Kilmarnock also lose against St Mirren County will be safe.
They can take confidence from a solid all-round performance away at Dundee United last time out, where goals from Jordan White and Alex Iacovitti sealed a 2–0 win.
Hughes knows it will be a tough test against an Accies side who are once again fighting for their lives after already defying expectations to remain in the top flight on several occasions, but he is looking for his players to take charge of the situation.
“What we have to do is prepare properly and let the lads do their stuff,” Hughes explained.
“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.
“You 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.”
Hughes will be watching the match from the stands after accepting a two-match touchline ban, but he will be joined by his opposite number and former assistant Brian Rice.
Their friendship will be put to one side for 90 minutes tomorrow, but Hughes says his priority is keeping County in the Premiership anyway.
“Hamilton always defy the odds, they always get tipped for relegation but they are masters of staying in the league,” he said.
“We know what’s at stake – it might put more pressure on Hamilton, but for me the onus is on what we do.
“It’s unfortunate that when friends come together there has to be winners and losers. We will both concentrate on our own teams and focus on that, but afterwards we’ll be friends, there’s no doubt about that.
“There is not much between the teams, it will be fine margins and hopefully they’ll fall on the side of Ross County.”
