Ross County defender Jason Naismith says the Staggies players must take matters into their own hands when they line up in tonight’s crunch Premiership encounter with Partick Thistle.
County are two points adrift of tonight’s opponents with three games left, meaning a win for the Jags would send the Staggies a long way towards relegation to the Championship.
Co-managers Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson have been tasked with the job of keeping the Dingwall side in the top-flight, following the departures of Jim McIntyre and Owen Coyle earlier in the campaign.
But Naismith says it is County’s players who must rise to the occasion tonight.
He said: “It is down to us when we cross the line. It isn’t up to any manager.
“We’ve had four this season, if we count the two of them – three different appointments.
“So the players need to take responsibility now. It is up to us to go and get three points.
“We need to show we’re good players and a good team. It is on the television and we will not get a bigger game than this all season.
“If there is any time and place for us to showcase our talent, it is at Firhill.”
Former St Mirren player Naismith has been impressed with the impact made by Kettlewell and Ferguson since they stepped up from the youth ranks in March.
He said: “The management team is doing well. They’re good guys and coaches.
“Everything we do is structured and we can see in training they know what they’re talking about.
“I don’t think they’re going to let the opportunity they have been given slip by, regardless of where we are next season.
“It is a good appointment. It gives the club new direction and a new style. Fair play to the club and chairman for making the call and giving them the opportunity.
“In all the time I’ve been at the club I’ve known they were good coaches. They bring a lot of good qualities and I’m sure they’ll bring a lot of boys on in their game.
“Hopefully they can keep us up.”
Naismith is back in contention for County after missing out last weekend’s 2-0 loss at Hamilton Accies with a knee injury and the 23-year-old is desperate to get back involved, adding: “It is a massive game, but I’m actually looking forward to it. When you’re not playing it is more nerve-racking than when you are.
“I couldn’t even watch the game at Hamilton on Saturday, to be honest. We played Thistle and Hibs before that and I thought I was going to be chucked out of the stadium for shouting in the stand. I much prefer being involved.
“I was out injured for a full year. I’m not saying I’m used to it – that’s a bad habit to get into – but I just try to prepare myself for getting back out on the park as quickly as possible.
“I’ve played a lot of games this season, so won’t lose fitness. Hopefully I get the nod this weekend as I’m ready to play.”