Ross County looking to build on impressive top-flight start

Kettlewell, who was suspended for the first two matches of the season, said: “We have got to work harder and got to be better in passing the ball. We know mistakes are punished more so in the Premier League than the First Division.

“We have made a great start and are doing all the right things. It’s up to us to keep improving.”

County manager Derek Adams received the manager of the month award this week after the Irn-Bru First Division champions stretched their unbeaten league record to 38 matches.

The Dingwall side have only conceded one goal in four games against Motherwell, Aberdeen, Celtic and Dundee and are looking for their first home win in the SPL when they face Kilmarnock tomorrow.

Both sides are looking to bounce back from Scottish Communities League Cup defeats in midweek with County losing 4-1 at home to Raith Rovers while holders Kilmarnock were dumped out of the competition by Stenhousemuir.

While County’s winger Mark Corcoran is their only injury worry, Kilmarnock’s injury list has continued to grow with left back Jeroen Tesselaar the latest name to be added.

“We know all about Kilmarnock. They like to get the ball out from the back. It’s up to us to see if we can do something about that and stop them playing their style of football” explained Kettlewell.

Meanwhile, Kilmarnock midfielder Danny Racchi believes an injury-free pre-season will help him pin down a regular first-team place.

The 24-year-old spent as much time on the bench as he did on the pitch last season following his move from York City but has featured in every game so far this season.

“This is the first full pre-season I have had without injury in the last four years. Hopefully that (fitness) has shown itself to the gaffer and the coaching staff” he said.

Racchi described the midweek Scottish Communities League Cup defeat at home by Second Division part-timers Stenhousemuir as ‘a bad day at the office’ and is looking to get back on track against County.

While he expects a tough match against the SPL new boys he believes Kilmarnock have what it takes to end the home side’s 38 game unbeaten run. “We did really well against  Dundee United last week and hopefully we can carry that on and get a few more points on the board” he explained.