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Ross County manager John Hughes says performance has to back up talk


By Andrew Henderson

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John Hughes believes anything he says in the build- up to tomorrow’s crucial Premiership match against Kilmarnock will become meaningless as soon as the first whistle is blown.

Picture - Ken Macpherson, Inverness. St.Mirren(1) v Ross County(0). 27.02.21. Ross County manager John Hughes.
Picture - Ken Macpherson, Inverness. St.Mirren(1) v Ross County(0). 27.02.21. Ross County manager John Hughes.

Ross County have a chance to put daylight between themselves and the relegation places for the first time in months, currently sitting one place and one point ahead of Killie in 10th – with a game in hand to boot.

Already having described every game as being a cup final, there is a feeling that this could prove to be the biggest game of the Staggies’ season should they take all three points.

It has taken a lot of hard work from Hughes – who took over in Dingwall towards the end of December – to reach a point where they could go clear of the drop zone, while Kilmarnock have fallen into trouble over that same period.

Each club could, therefore, be approaching the contest with very different mentalities, but Hughes is insistent that the only thing that matters is who can claim the points when time is up at the Global Energy Stadium.

“You need to embrace it – bring it on,” Hughes reiterated.

“We know what it is all about at the club. We don’t want to be down there, but we have been there for so long that we know what we need to do to win football matches.

“You can talk the talk and walk with a swagger but on a Saturday it is about winning football matches.

“When you walk over that white line it comes down to what you do as an individual. Can you do your job in and out of possession to influence the game?

“I believe I have guys who can do that and if they do then I believe we will pick up the three points on Saturday.”

Eight games remain in the Premiership for County to try and secure their Premiership status for a third consecutive year.

In other words, time is running out, putting an extra importance on any points the Staggies can pick up.

Timing can be just as important in relegation dogfights as luck or ability, and Hughes knows full well what sort of impact it would have to beat Kilmarnock.

“I’m embracing that challenge,” he explained.

“It’s not bravado, bring it on. We know where we can go if we win it, that’s the positive.

“The boys have given everything they have in training and that’s why we’ll be right in the match.

“It might be a fine margin. Last Saturday a poor refereeing decision, in my opinion, cost us.

“It might be the same on Saturday - a mistake, a great goal, or the referee. Hopefully lady luck is on our side.

“What a time it would be to do it. It’s like a racehorse coming in on that final stretch.

“That’s the positivity we have at this club. There’s a great belief we can do it. The confidence and momentum has turned and we’ve improved so much. I can see that.”


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