Ross County co-manager Steven Ferguson insists reported interest in forward Ross Stewart from English Championship clubs comes as no surprise.
Forward Stewart has netted 11 goals during his maiden campaign in the Premiership, including a double in Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Hibernian.
The 23-year-old’s form has prompted speculation linking him with Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers in recent days, and Ferguson believes the forward is an attractive target for potential suitors.
Ferguson said: “I have not heard anything, although I read it in the press on Wednesday.
“I’m not surprised whatsoever that clubs are looking at him. He has every attribute you need as a modern day striker or wide player, he can do both equally as well.
“What he needs to do is keep scoring goals for Ross County and then what will be will be.
“But one thing is for sure, he has the potential to be whatever he wants to be. He just needs to believe in himself more.”
Ferguson and fellow co-manager Stuart Kettlewell signed Stewart from St Mirren last summer, with the Irvine-born attacker having started his career with Ayrshire junior clubs Ardeer Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers before winning a move to Albion Rovers in 2016.
Ferguson feels Stewart is reaping the benefits of his development, adding: “Ross is a real talent.
“The goals he scored against Hibs were really good for the team because we won the game, but individually it will give him that confidence.
“Ross came as a raw big striker and he still has bits he’s working on, but he works extremely hard on that.
“We are big believers that you get out of it what you put into it, so he is getting better all the time.
“We all believe in Ross and know how good he is, he needs to start believing that himself.”
County are now without a fixture until they host Kilmarnock next Saturday, and Ferguson hopes the squad can benefit from an extended rest.
He added: “We are still carrying wee bumps and scrapes that will have time to get healed, which is good for those guys.
“It has been a really tough spell, and the players have been battered. They will have a chance to take a deep breath and dust themselves down.
“We go into this break knowing we have had a really good result, but also knowing there is a heck of a lot of football still to be played. There are many more battles to be fought before we start thinking about anything other than the next game.”
