Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell hopes his new look Staggies side can click from the start of tonight’s Premiership opener against Motherwell.
County were only able to play three pre-season friendlies ahead of the new league campaign, with two separate 11s facing Livingston and Celtic in a double header last weekend.
Kettlewell has made six new signings, after completing a loan deal for Celtic goalkeeper Ross Doohan earlier this weekend.
Although Kettlewell admits the team which takes to the field against Well tonight is unlikely to have played together before, he feels he has sufficient competition to give him some tough selection decisions.
The bulk of County’s squad is fit with the exception of Joe Chalmers who remains sidelined with a groin injury, while Tom Grivosti (foot) and Blair Spittal (thigh) are unlikely to be fit in time.
Kettlewell said: “Last weekend we tried to make two teams which would allow us to be competitive in both games.
“I can take elements from Saturday and Sunday and formulate a team. I think we’ve got two strong 11s which we could go and play a Premiership game with.
“There were loads of different aspects, some of which was to give some of the new guys an experience of playing at a place like Parkhead – albeit with no supporters.
“In terms of looking at that first 11 which will take to the pitch on Monday, you have probably not seen it from us if I’m being brutally honest.
“The two games at the weekend probably show you there is real competition for places, because there wasn’t anybody that looked out of place playing in both games.
“That tells us we are at a good level.”
Although opportunities to watch opposing teams have been limited in the build up to the new campaign, Kettlewell was able to see Motherwell in a televised 4-0 friendly loss to Rangers last month.
Kettlewell is not expecting many surprises from Stephen Robinson’s men, who finished third last term.
He added: “I watched Motherwell against Rangers and I know how they play, I have a fair indication of how Stephen likes to set out his team.
“He doesn’t particularly change it depending on the opponent. There has been a change in style for them over the last 18 months to two years, and they have done very well by doing so.
“Motherwell have kept the nucleus of their squad, plus they have added one or two fresh faces that give them a slightly different dimension.
“They have recruited well but a couple of players are already familiar to us because they have played in the Premiership anyway, while Jordan White has played for Inverness for the last couple of years.
“We have an idea of how they will fit into their system.”
