Ross County must move on from Celtic defeat, says co-manager Steven Ferguson
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Ross County co-manager Steven Ferguson insists they have to put another heavy defeat to Celtic behind them if they are to have any chance of beating Hibernian.
The Hoops ran out 4–1 winners at the Global Energy Stadium last Sunday, and now face the prospect of a Hibs side who have only lost one in their last 11, with three wins in their last four under new manager Jack Ross.
Hibs are also on a remarkable run of scoring, having found the net in every game they have played since September.
The Staggies have been leaky at the back, and though letting in another four against Celtic will have done nothing to boost confidence – Ferguson says they have to put that result out of sight and out of mind before tomorrow night.
“We strip it back again,” Ferguson explained.
“We are at home and it’s a Wednesday night – we have enjoyed these games in the past, and had success in them.
“We need to draw on that and look forward to it. We need to make sure the Celtic game is out of our system – but I think that is easier than getting some other games out of our system.
“The gulf is huge, and we reluctantly accept that. There’s not much more we can do.
“We look at the group of players we have got available for selection and go with what we think is the best team to try and win at home to Hibs.”
Even through the poor run of form in recent weeks, there have been no signs of panic from the County camp.
Ferguson has put that down to an expectation that the Staggies would not have things all their own way this season.
“There is no shock to our system,” he said.
“If we make mistakes, we’re going to be punished. When you’re in the Premiership and scrapping, and you’re Ross County, decisions go against you sometimes.
“It is up to us to weather whatever stormy seas we’re in and get ourselves in a position where we’re still fighting and still enjoying it. That’s what it is – a fight.”