Australia international Josh Nisbet insists Ross County cannot have one eye on Perth as they attempt to avoid relegation play-off by beating Motherwell in Dingwall
Josh Nisbet insists Ross County cannot become preoccupied with what is happening in Perth tomorrow as they bid to avoid a third consecutive relegation play-off.
However, that will only become a reality if Dundee also lost to already-relegated St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.
County fans will undoubtedly be keeping one eye on what is happening in Perth, then, but Nisbet says the players cannot allow what is happening elsewhere to distract from the task at hand in the Highlands.
“It makes us focus on ourselves more,” he stressed.
“There is no point looking at other results if we don’t get the result we need, so there’s a little less stress about it.
“The worst case scenario is that we’re in the same position. The best case scenario is that we move out of the play-off, but we only have to focus on ourselves.
“Maybe if we’re a goal or two up we might start asking the fans what’s happening, but I think it’s most important to make sure we get the points we need first, and then when the final whistle goes we can check.
“To be fair, I’m sure we’ll be able to tell by the fans. On Wednesday when the result was going our way, you could tell the fans were happier, so we’ll probably be able to tell while we’re playing.”
Results earlier in the week, where County kept Dundee within reach thanks to a 96th minute penalty from Ronan Hale and St Johnstone lost to Hearts, mean that the Perth Saints will be automatically relegated at the end of the season.
That, in turn, takes some measure of concern away from County, as their worst case scenario is having two more games to secure their top flight status.
“While you’re playing the game, you don’t quite know the other result, but when we found out that a draw was enough to make sure we’re not battling automatic relegation in this last game it is a bit of a weight lifted,” Nisbet admitted.
“Now we can go out in this next game and perform knowing that the worst case scenario is that we are in the same position we’re in now.
“We’ve been going through a drought, but all the staff and players know we would be able to turn it around.
“It wasn’t a win, but it was a much-needed point, and hopefully that can help us towards a win on Sunday.”
