Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell feels resilience and belief will be required in order to secure a memorable result against Celtic today.
County face their first Old Firm test of the new season when they host the Hoops today, kick starting a difficult run of fixtures following last weekend’s international break.
Kettlewell says the Dingwall men will have to show character to stand up to the threats of the champions, but says his side must also show their own attacking intent in order to cause an upset.
Kettlewell said: “There are two major factors for me. Your mental strength has to be outstanding for 90 minutes and during the time when chances are created that you don’t become despondent.
“You need to stay switched on and tuned in to what your job is in the team. The other part is that you have belief in your ability when you have the ball.
“You need that belief in what you do. Two of the biggest attributes are the mental ones and the ability to play. If you can get your head right to play through the adversity and pick the right times to play then I believe you give yourself a right chance.”
Former County midfielder Kettlewell can draw upon his own experience, having enjoyed some memorable moments against the Hoops during his playing days. Although he was an unused substitute for the Staggies’ famous Scottish Cup semi final victory at Hampden Park in 2010, he helped the Highlanders offset a two-goal deficit to triumph 3-2 at Victoria Park three years later.
Kettlewell has confidence his own team has what it takes to cause an upset, adding: “You have to have the mental strength to deal with the tough times and a real belief when you have possession of a ball that you can handle it at the level and in that company.
“I believe we can do that with the players we have got.
“The big task is to instil that and the players believe there is a trust from us that we can go and get a result.”
