Ross County may have returned to the bottom of the Premiership but interim co-manager Stuart Kettlewell does not feel his side have lost any ground in the race for survival.
County drew 0-0 with Motherwell on Saturday, with Partick Thistle taking advantage with a 2-1 victory over Hamilton Accies which moves them a point ahead of the Staggies.
Kettlewell is keen to emphasise the weekend’s results have moved his side a point closer to 10th placed Hamilton however, giving the Staggies the chance to leapfrog the Lanarkshire outfit on goal difference with a victory in Saturday’s vital encounter between the sides at New Douglas Park.
The 33-year-old also feels County’s relegation rivals will face a formidable challenge in their games against Motherwell, who are seventh and preparing for next month’s Scottish Cup final against Celtic, making Saturday’s draw all the more creditable a result.
Kettlewell said: “After drawing with Motherwell, there has possibly been a bit of negativity outwith the football club in terms of the way results have gone.
“We have to put it in perspective – I think it was an excellent result against Motherwell.
“Of course we wanted to win the game, score goals and keep a clean sheet.
“But we’ve all seen in recent weeks how tough a side Motherwell are to play against. That’s exactly how the game panned out.
“It has put us three points away from Hamilton. Partick have maybe taken that wee step ahead of us, but we still have both those sides to play. Equally, these sides still have Motherwell to play. Having spoken to some of their guys, I certainly don’t feel they will be resting on their laurels.”
One player likely to miss Saturday’s game is defender Christopher Routis, who required seven stiches on his calf following a clash with fellow Frenchman Cedric Kipre.
Kettlewell added: “There was absolutely no intention in the challenge. It was a header and it was just the way Kipre landed that meant he came down on him.
“We need to assess that. Speaking to him on Tuesday morning, he says he feels better, but I think at this stage he will be a serious doubt for Saturday.”