Ross County are off the bottom of the Premiership but interim co-manager Steven Ferguson knows the job is far from done ahead of today’s home match against Hibernian.
The Staggies moved above Partick Thistle on goal difference thanks to their impressive 4-0 victory against the Jags on Tuesday, giving the Dingwall side a timely boost with six games remaining.
The visit of Hibs is the final game before the split but Ferguson knows his side cannot afford to ease off following the emphatic midweek triumph.
He said: “We were delighted with how Tuesday night went. There had obviously been a lot of preparation and focus from us on that game.
“For the guys to deliver in the way they did was very pleasing.
“It is one game – it’s done now and our full focus is on Hibs.
“It has been stop-start since Stuart Kettlewell and I came in, so it is nice to get another game because the players want out on the pitch.
“The victory helps, but doesn’t guarantee anything. But it reminds the players what they can do when we go about it properly.
“We just hope to take Tuesday’s enthusiasm and willingness to follow instructions and do what is asked of them into the Hibs game.”
Ferguson expects a challenging afternoon when Neil Lennon’s side, fourth in the table, make the trip to Victoria Park.
He added: “It’s a stern test in different ways. Partick was a huge test for us and we passed it.
“Hibs are flying high and have good players throughout, as well as an experienced management team. It’s a different challenge.
“The players are all aware Partick was the biggest game of the season because it was our next game. Now that focus has moved from Partick to Hibs.”
Ferguson says a decision will be made on right-back Jason Naismith, who was left out of Tuesday’s game against Thistle, and he added: “Jason has been feeling the effect of a bang he took in the Kilmarnock game. It is not major but it wasn’t settling down and the decision was taken to omit him on Tuesday.
“He has been fantastic since coming to Ross County and he will have a massive part to play.
“We will assess him. Knowing Jason, he will want to play but we will need to make sure he is right.”
