Ross County manager says his team must stop Dutchman from flying for Motherwell
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Malky Mackay knows Ross County will have to keep Kevin van Veen quiet this weekend if they are to get the result they need away at Motherwell.
The Steelmen attacker is in the form of his life, with his goals playing a key part in Motherwell securing their Premiership status for next season against St Johnstone last time out.
Only Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi has scored more goals in the Premiership this season than van Veen, and his recent form has been nothing short of outstanding.
In his last 13 matches, the Dutchman has scored 14 goals – including finding the net in each of his last nine matches, starting in Dingwall against the Staggies at the start of March.
From Mackay’s point of view, van Veen is just the next formidable forward his side will be coming up against.
Most recently, the Staggies managed to tame Dundee United’s Steven Fletcher on the way to a 3-1 win.
With the form van Veen has been in, and his tendency to score against County too, keeping him similarly quiet would be a big step towards safety for the Staggies.
“Kevin is in a really good vein of form, so we’ll prepare properly,” Mackay stressed.
“Steven Fletcher at Dundee United is a terrific centre forward and we played against him at the weekend.
“We’ve faced Duk, Kyogo – I could keep going. Clubs have got good players up front and we have to make sure we harness that.
“Van Veen has clearly always been a really good player, but he has hit a really rich vein of form, which has helped them run away from the relegation situation.
“Undoubtedly, it is going to be a tough game.”
Mackay will be able to call on Keith Watson to boost his defence tomorrow.
However, it would be a mistake to focus solely on van Veen – no matter how impressive his scoring exploits have been.
County know all too well some of the other weapons former boss Stuart Kettlewell has in his arsenal at Fir Park, which may help them form a winning plan.
“Blair Spittal is down there now and is one I knew would end up having a good season – he’s a terrific kid and a good footballer,” Mackay explained.
“I loved having him here and I knew it was going to be a loss when he left.
“He’s another who is going to be dangerous at the weekend.
“It helps knowing what he can do. I know the threats from his dead balls and what he offers as a footballer.
“I know his strengths and I know maybe one weakness as well.”
