Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has warned his side’s fine record against some of the Premiership’s stronger teams will count for nothing unless the Staggies make the most of their vital upcoming head-to-head encounters.
County are unbeaten against both Rangers and Hearts this season, and have also defeated Aberdeen and St Johnstone.
The Dingwall men have won just three times against sides currently occupying bottom-six positions, however, with a win against tomorrow’s opponents Kilmarnock and two triumphs against Highland rivals Caley Thistle.
With five points separating County from sixth-placed Partick Thistle, McIntyre is demanding his players improves their record against their closest challengers in the race to secure a top-half finish.
He said: “Our 1-0 victory against Hearts was a very important result for us, especially with results elsewhere.
“It just shows all the teams are fighting and scrapping to try and get that sixth place, and also to avoid getting dragged into a relegation tussle.
“Every one of the teams is in it, so it’s about who can be that consistent team and get away from it.
“Our aim has not changed but we know we’ve got points to make up on Partick Thistle, Dundee and Kilmarnock. We’ve got a chance to do that on Saturday by directly jumping above the team we’re playing.
“That’s the sole focus this week. Hearts is gone, it was a great performance and deserved result. Where we’ve let ourselves down this season is in these types of games.
“If we are going to have aspirations of getting that one top-six spot that’s left, these are the games we have to win.”
County have won just three league matches at Victoria Park this season, and with home games against Dundee and Celtic to follow before the split, McIntyre is determined to generate momentum this weekend.
He added: “It has been frustrating – we want all our better results to be in front of our home supporters.
“We’ve lost two late goals to lose matches recently and that can leave a sour taste. We’ve got a great opportunity on Saturday to pick the home form back up.”
