Ross County midfielder Jordan Tillson insists the Staggies cannot allow their standards to drop when they host Hamilton Accies this weekend.
Despite falling to a 1-0 defeat to Rangers on Sunday, County drew plaudits for a gallant display before being undone by Ryan Kent’s deflected winner in the 77th minute.
The Staggies’ focus shifts to facing an Accies side who remain two points behind the Dingwall men despite winning their last two matches, and Tillson has called for a similar performance to the one which ran Steven Gerrard’s side so close.
Englishman Tillson said: “I don’t think it will be tough to get up for the rest of the games after playing Rangers – I think that’s a given. We have to carry that forward for the rest of the season.
“I think we can take confidence from the game. It shows we have got a real strong unit, and everyone is pushing the right way.
“I felt like we almost had the better opportunities and on another day we might have won.
“Everyone did their job, which really showed in the way the lads went about the work on Saturday. It was a very clear way of how we need to play for the rest of the season.”
County’s remaining eight games are against teams in the bottom half of the table and Tillson, who joined from Exeter City in January, knows the stakes will be high.
The 27-year-old added: “I have not been part of the split yet, it’s obviously something new to me and I’m looking forward to that.
“It’s going to be a big opportunity for us to hopefully pick up some points. We need to go into it with that intention.
“We have eight games left, and it’s a real good chance for us to put a marker down between now and the end of the season.”
Tillson has made six starts and two substitute appearances since his switch to the Highlands, and he feels a competitive squad can help to get the best out of him.
Tillson added: “It has been really good, I have loved it.
“It’s a beautiful part of the world, and my family seem to be settling in well.
“I’m really enjoying it. It’s a change from where I have come from, and the football has been a bit different – but it has been really exciting to witness something new.
“We have had quite a lot of games coming off the back of the winter break. It has been quite continuous, so it has been quite exciting when it’s game-to-game.
“When you get your chances, you have to try and take them.
“I don’t think anyone is at the stage where they can just be given games, or hope that happens – you have to try and earn it.
“All the lads who have come in have done that.”