Ross County’s hopes of Scottish Premiership survival remain in the balance but midfielder Tony Dingwall is relieved the Staggies fate is still in their own hands despite Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against St Mirren.
County missed the opportunity to move six points clear of Motherwell in the relegation play-off position after their loss against the relegated Buddies.
Despite taking the lead through Martin Woods’ penalty in the first half, the Staggies tumbled to defeat courtesy of goals from Stephen Mallan and Steven Thompson.
Well’s 3-1 win against Kilmarnock on Friday cranks up the pressure on Jim McIntyre’s side.
However, County can all but secure their Premiership safety with a victory against Hamilton this weekend.
Midfielder Dingwall was frustrated with his side’s loss but, with two games remaining to avoid the relegation play-off position, the 20-year-old is confident the Staggies will do enough to avoid last day drama.
Dingwall said: “It’s still in our hands but we need to make sure we go and win the game next week. We missed a few great opportunities but we’ve got to dust ourselves down now and go again next week.
“It’s good that we’re creating the chances but we need to take them. If not, we’ve seen what happens, the opposition will take the points. I felt all the players did enough to go and win the game but obviously we didn’t take our chances.”
Dingwall was making his first appearance in the starting line-up since County’s 4-0 defeat against Aberdeen in February, after McIntyre gave the youngster the nod ahead of Italian midfielder Raffaele De Vita.
With the security of a two-year contract, which he signed in December, Dingwall is glad his future is resolved and, after breaking his hand earlier in the season, he is determined to establish a regular starting place.
Dingwall added: “It’s brilliant for me to get back in the starting team. The manager has given me a chance and hopefully I’ve done enough to stay in the team for next week.
“We’re at the stage of the season where players are running out of contract so there are a few of the boys now playing for new deals.”