STEPHEN KELLY reckons Ross County's key relegation clashes will bring out the best in him over the next week as the Staggies fight for their Premiership survival.

County host bottom of the table Hamilton next Wednesday evening before making the trip to face Motherwell on the final day of the campaign a week on Sunday.

Midfielder Kelly has enjoyed an impressive term on loan in the Highlands and is now aiming to bring an end to his time away from Rangers by ensuring John Hughes' side are still a Premiership outfit next term.

Kelly said: “Hamilton is a massive game for us next week and we need to win that one.

"I always look forward to playing games that have a lot riding on them and I think matches like that can bring the best out of you.

“There will be a bit of added pressure as it’s such an important game but I have been playing regularly and when you do it gives you more confidence.

“These games will probably bring the best out of the players as everybody knows a place in the top league is at stake.

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“For Ross County staying in the division was the first target and we can still do that.

“If we can avoid the play-offs and stay up that would be a big achievement for me and the rest of the boys.

"Beating Dundee Utd was a big result for us, we needed it and it puts things back in our own hands.

“There are two games left and hopefully we can kick on after the result at Tannadice last weekend.

“It has been a difficult season for the team but I have managed to play a lot of games after a frustrating start.

“The games I have played in, either the league or the cup, has really benefitted me and I am learning a different side of my game."