Ross County could put brakes on overnight stay in Kilmarnock, if Nicola Sturgeon adds new restrictions

Stuart Kettlewell fears new coronavirus restrictions could disrupt Ross County's travel plans for Saturday's SPFL Premiership clash at Kilmarnock.

Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell is waiting to hear which plan will be applicable to County (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

The Staggies had originally planned to drive by coach to Rugby Park on Friday to spend the night at the Park Hotel, a short distance from the stadium's front door.

The Dingwall boss has now drawn up a contingency that will see County make the 200-mile journey south just hours before kick-off if Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces tighter travel measures in the central belt this afternoon.

"We're waiting for the next 24 hours to see how this pans out," he said. "The plan now is that we'd stay over night at the Park Hotel, opposite Rugby Park.

Parts of the west of Scotland could move into Level 4 restrictions later this week, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to announce her decision on Tuesday.

"But we're not sure if there is going to be a spanner in the works with that.

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"That might not be an option due to lockdown in certain regions, so we're waiting for a wee bit of confirmation on that.

"This is our only overnight travel and would mean leaving on Friday.

"We've got a Plan B up our sleeve which would mean we need to travel on the day with two drivers sharing.

"We might also need to stop somewhere as far away as Perth for a pre-match meal, which would leave us another hour and a half away from the ground at least.

"So there are a few challenges there but whatever it is, the staff and I have a Plan A and a Plan B and we won't make an excuse out of either of them. We'll just have to do whatever is allowed and make best use of it."

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