Ross County co-manager Stuart Kettlewell says keeping free-scoring Queen of the South striker Stephen Dobbie quiet is no guarantee of success in today’s Championship match at Palmerston.
Veteran attacker Dobbie has been in sparking form in his second spell with the Doonhamers, having already netted 20 goals in 11 matches in all competitions this season.
Kettlewell says his players must be wary of the Dumfries side’s other threats however, and he said: “The respect inevitably comes with a really good player that is bang in form and free-scoring. He’s somebody that’s obviously got this affinity with Queen of the South – he’s synonymous in Scotland with playing for that club.
“He’s had a fantastic career and a great start to the season. It would be remiss of us to think that’s the only way they could pose us a threat.
“His strike partner, Lyndon Dykes, has done really well and I would imagine Stephen would be the first to tell you he has been a fantastic foil for him, while he’s had service from guys like Gary Harkins who we know all about.
“We know they have got a good group of players, and a stability in how they operate.
“Looking at the starting 11, from pretty much the first game to now, it hasn’t changed much. They will enjoy that set way of playing, with a good group of players.”
Kettlewell, who has doubts over defenders Marcus Fraser and Keith Watson, is keen to keep momentum going following a fine start to the campaign, which sees the Staggies sit top of the table.
He added: “There’s a lot made of this next run of games – Queens, Caley Thistle, Dundee United and Partick Thistle.
“Of course it’s a tough run, but the four after that are going to be tough as well, and then the four after that.
“It’s a duty of ours to make sure we are well organised for each game we play in, and express ourselves as well.”
