Stuart Kettlewell insists he has never been any doubt about the quality Kieran Phillips could bring to Ross County in front of goal.

The English striker had a frustrating first 18 months in Dingwall, culminating in fans pointing to him as one player who could leave the club following their relegation to League One.

Even after the start of this season, he had to be patient for his opportunity, starting only two of the Staggies’ first 10 competitive games across all competition.

However, a flurry of goals in the KDM Evolution Trophy in particular saw Phillips grow in confidence, and he has forced his way into Kettlewell’s starting 11.

Now sitting on 13 goals from 20 appearances in 2026/27, Phillips has established himself as a real goal threat, battling Brian Graham to be the club’s top scorer.

Kettlewell has been pleased to see how Phillips earned his spot in the side, and says that even before returning to Ross County he was well aware of the forward’s quality.

“I think he is playing really well,” Kettlewell said.

“He and Brian have complemented each other really well, and obviously you have Ricco (Diack) as well in the striking area.

“Kieran had a little niggle in pre-season, Brian caught fire and we found ourself playing with one striker in a 4-3-3, so there might have been a frustration there.

“Kieran felt he could go in and score goals – that’s never been in doubt from my point of view, but there’s had to be a little bit of patience from Kieran’s side of things.

“He had to wait and at times it was cameo appearances off the bench, but he’s now found himself hitting the net and being a real threat.

“I’m not surprised. Kieran is a player I looked at and very nearly signed when I was at Motherwell.

“Coming in here to Ross County I kind of knew everything about him from a period of years, including conversations through Zoom, but the one thing I knew for certain about Kieran is he can finish.”