Top six bid on hold for now for Ross County, says defender Callum Johnson
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Callum Johnson says Ross County are no longer thinking as far ahead as a top-six finish – with the focus instead on just winning their next match.
After finishing in the top half last season, optimism was high in Dingwall that similar success would follow in the 2022/23 campaign.
A poor start to the campaign, though, kept the Staggies at the foot of the table practically right up until the winter break.
Ahead of this weekend’s return to action at home against St Johnstone, then, Johnson says their pre-season ambitions have taken a back seat for the time being as County look to move clear of a relegation battle first and foremost.
“It’s hard because a lot of the lads are new and weren’t here last season, including myself,” Johnson said.
“Last season, I know the team started slow and then picked up.
“We are hoping that carries on this season, but we’ve just got to concentrate on each game as it comes.
“Maybe later down the line, we can set ourselves a target. We don’t want to look too far ahead and say ‘we want to get to there’.
“At the start of the season we said top six. Now, with where we are, we’ve just got to concentrate on getting away from that drop.”
Johnson has had an extended run in the side with Connor Randall’s injury, but both men are now fit and ready to play.
Performances will come under increased scrutiny with more competition for places, and Johnson says that when results were not going County’s way he was desperate to find ways to improve his own displays to help the team.
“It’s a results business, so when you get beat you naturally say ‘what could I have done?’ – especially as a defender,” he added.
“I’m sure the forwards are the same. They may think they’ve had a good game but their job is to score goals.
“When you win, everyone is fantastic and when you lose everyone is rubbish. I just have to make sure I’m playing as well as I can.”
