Half-term report card, Ross County: Staggies will be targeting safety above all else

It’s so far, so good for Ross County on their return to the Premiership.

Sweeping aside their Betfred Cup group, then cruising to a 3-0 opening-day win over Hamilton Accies and a draw at Tynecastle, raised hopes of something extraordinary in Dingwall.

Subsequently, Highland feet have been dragged down to earth.

But there have been enough bright moments along the way to suggest this County team aren’t just in the Premiership for a fleeting visit.

Wins away to Motherwell and at home to Hibs – and an Easter Road draw with the Hibees salvaged in the last minute – have been the highlights for joint gaffers, Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson.

Being demolished 6-0 by Celtic was the undoubted low point.

But they weren’t the first team to be ripped apart by Neil Lennon’s Bhoys this season – and they won’t be the last.

Games like those aren’t pleasant experiences, but, in searching for positives, they can – and will – be used as learning experiences.

Things are tight between the bottom of the table and fifth place, with just 12 points separating Hearts and Livingston.

County find themselves three points clear of the play-off spot at the halfway point.

Had they been offered that at the start of the season, they probably would have taken it.

The challenge now is to increase their cushion and give themselves a platform on which to build for a future in the Premiership.

STAR MAN

Three years ago, Ross Stewart was playing junior football.

Now he looks every inch the Premiership player.

His eye-catching performances have been central to much of Ross County’s good work in the first half of the season.

As new boys to the league, it was never going to be a walk in the park.

But the Dingwall side have looked easily worth their place in the top flight, with Stewart’s showings front and centre.

From Ardeer Thistle and Kilwinning Rangers, to Albion Rovers, St Mirren and Alloa, Stewart has kept progressing.

His performances this season suggest there is even more to come.

PROSPECTS

Securing Premiership safety is the be-all and end-all for County.

If 40 points guarantees safety, they are already more than halfway there.

They will be happy enough with that as things stand, but the quicker they can rack up the rest, the happier they will be.

The Dingwall side are likely to make additions to their squad, with owner Roy McGregor never afraid to loosen his considerable purse strings.

If they can consolidate in the top league between now and the end of the season, it will be mission accomplished. But expectations will doubtless rise.