The defender emphasizes the importance of aiming for victory in every match.
Topics covered
As the Scottish Premiership season approaches its climax, Ross County defender Zac Ashworth is urging his teammates to focus on ambition rather than merely survival. With five crucial fixtures remaining, Ashworth believes the Staggies should set their sights on winning all their matches instead of just avoiding relegation.
Current standings and outlook
Heading into their post-split opener against Kilmarnock, Ross County finds themselves level on points with their opponents, both teams sitting just above the relegation playoff zone. Currently, County is six points clear of the bottom-placed St Johnstone but trails behind seventh-placed Hearts by five points.
This precarious position makes every match vital, and Ashworth insists that the team must adopt a positive mindset.
Aiming for victory
“We’ve got five games left and, from what I’ve seen so far, why can’t the target be to win five games?” Ashworth stated. He emphasized that the team should not merely look over their shoulders at the relegation zone but instead aim for higher placements in the league. “What’s the point in playing the next five games if you don’t want to win all five?” he questioned, highlighting the potential for a strong finish to the season.
Personal growth and team contribution
Since joining Ross County on loan from Blackpool in January, Ashworth has made seven appearances, contributing significantly to the team’s efforts despite facing challenges, including a minor injury. His recent performance against St Mirren, where he assisted in both goals during a narrow 3-2 defeat, has given him the confidence to push for more impactful contributions in the remaining matches. “It’s about consistently affecting games, whether it’s in the final third or defensive third,” he explained, underscoring his commitment to making a difference on the pitch.
Embracing the Scottish football experience
Reflecting on his time in Scotland, Ashworth expressed his surprise at the level of attention and passion surrounding Scottish football. “I didn’t really know what to expect coming to Scotland. I’ve loved it,” he remarked. The defender noted that the league’s prominence is much more pronounced than he anticipated, stating, “You don’t realize how publicized the league is until you’re in Scotland itself.” This newfound appreciation for Scottish football adds to his motivation as he aims to help Ross County achieve their goals in the final stretch of the season.
