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Ross County pushing to keep improving, says Stephen Kelly


By Andrew Henderson

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Stephen Kelly says the younger players at Ross County are all driving each other to be better.

Picture - Ken Macpherson, Inverness. Livingston(1) v Ross County(0). 29.08.20. Ross County's Stephen Kelly fights for the ball with Livingston's Scott Tiffoney.
Picture - Ken Macpherson, Inverness. Livingston(1) v Ross County(0). 29.08.20. Ross County's Stephen Kelly fights for the ball with Livingston's Scott Tiffoney.

Alongside the 20-year-old, the Staggies can also call upon 21-year-old Charlie Lakin and 22-year-old Harry Paton in the middle of the park.

There is a strong competition for places, as evidenced by Paton – who had impressed earlier in the season – starting the match against Dundee United last weekend on the bench.

Kelly was the benefactor on that occasion, being named in the starting line-up for the first time since moving to Dingwall on loan from Rangers in June, and he says they all have to make sure they impress in training to earn a spot in the side.

“We’re all fighting to get in the team, in training every day we’re keeping standards high,” the Scotland Under-21 international insisted.

“We have to show the manager who’s willing to play.

“It’s always tough coming off the bench, it’s easier when you’re in a rhythm.

“That’s just football though, we just need to keep training and doing things right, so that when you get your chance you’re ready.”

Last weekend marked not just Kelly’s first start for County, but his first 90 minutes in the Premiership too.

In a sense, it was the perfect time to throw him in against familiar opponents from his time at Ayr United in the Championship last year, but he knows Livingston will provide a tough test if he keeps his place tomorrow night.

“A lot of the Dundee United players were in the Championship last year, and we did well against them with Ayr,” Kelly said.

“In that sense I knew what to expect, but I think it is a bit faster paced compared to the Championship.

“Livingston is always a tough game, no matter what team they put out.

“Hopefully we’ll have some fans back in to watch, and that will be a big boost for us.”


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