Ross County may have returned to winning ways, but defender Callum Morris will not be content until the Staggies record the clean sheets to match.
Following a run of nine Premiership matches without a victory, County registered a welcome 2-1 win over Hibernian in their last outing which they will aim to build on when they host Kilmarnock today.
The Staggies’ defensive record has been much-maligned, with the 35 goals they have conceded more than any other team in the league.
County’s last clean sheet came when they last faced Killie in a 0-0 draw at Rugby Park on September 28, Morris says he and his fellow defenders are intent on changing that soon.
Former Aberdeen and Dundee United defender Morris said: “It’s always good to get the win, but it was another goal conceded.
“We need to get those clean sheets. Hopefully we can achieve that in the next few games.
“It’s something I pride myself on, as do the other defenders.
“I have always looked to the start of the season as a goal to concede as little as possible, we judge the season on it.
“It’s something we need to put right, and hopefully winning the game can help us along the way for that.
“When you get a clean sheet you come off thinking ‘I have done my job there’. That’s what we are employed to do basically.
“We get a good feel for each other, and when we are in the right frame of mind and we’ve got that drive and hunger not to concede goals it will happen. I’m sure it will come.”
County’s backline has experienced a change between the sticks in recent weeks, with on-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Nathan Baxter replacing Ross Laidlaw for the Staggies’ last three matches.
Morris, who was called up to the Northern Ireland squad earlier this season, has already been impressed by the 21-year-old’s commanding demeanour.
Morris added: “You wouldn’t realise how young Nathan is, he’s very vocal and commanding.
“He has played a lot of games for a young lad, so that’s obviously benefitted him.
“It has probably accelerated his career so far, with going out and wanting to play and learn.
“It has been brilliant for him and great for us to have him here.
“I think it’s huge in football to have someone vocal behind you. It’s one of those things that’s hard to come by.”
Today’s visit of fifth-placed Killie marks the start of a four-game sequence before the winter break, with Morris determined to continue picking up points to move further clear of the foot of the table.
He added: “Apart from the top two, I think we can beat anyone in this league.
“It’s all about how we go out and prepare to put in a really good performance.
“We know we’ve got all the attributes and characteristics to win games in a few different ways.
“If we get all that firing, we should be good to pick up points in that little run.”
