Ross County defender Jason Naismith says the Staggies squad must wake up to the reality they have 14 “cup finals” remaining in order to avoid relegation from the Premiership.
The Staggies are rock-bottom of the table, six points behind Partick Thistle, following Sunday’s 2-1 loss against Rangers which was their 11th league fixture without a victory.
It does not get any easier for Owen Coyle’s men, with Aberdeen the visitors to Victoria Park tonight but Naismith says his side cannot afford to put off its pursuit of survival any longer.
He said: “We want to turn the corner as quick as we can so the more the games come, the better it will be – with the predicament we are in, even more so.
“When you are six points behind, the next game is the most important.
“Every game is a cup final now for us.
“We need to go into it with that attitude as I don’t think we have been enough.
“It just takes a couple of back-to-back results and we’re right back in there, within touching distance.
“Hopefully we can start that on Wednesday.
“Aberdeen have been one of the most consistent sides for years now. Derek McInnes has done a great job.
“They are always a confident team, they’ve got good individual players. We will need to be at our best to take anything from the game.
“If we can get a result that could propel our season.”
Right back Naismith was linked with English sides Hull City and Shrewsbury Town earlier this month.
But the 23-year-old is not letting the speculation distract him from the task of keeping County in the top flight.
Naismith, who joined County from Championship outfit St Mirren last January, added: “It’s always flattering to be linked with teams. Until there’s a bid it’s just hearsay.
“It shows I must be doing something right but my sole focus is on Ross County.
“It hurts professionally me to be down there just now, in terms of my pride, and I hope it’s hurting the rest of the boys.
“I would like to see us all fighting for the club and hopefully getting us out of this mess.
“I’m contracted for another two years so unless there’s a bid that comes in, that would be up to the club.
“Although it’s a predicament we’re in, I’m still happy here.
“I’m enjoying my football and I love it in the Highlands, it’s a lovely place. I’m in no rush to leave.”