Ross County edge out Caley Thistle as Kerr Smith trial impresses

Ross County secured a 2-1 win over Inverness Caley Thistle in last Saturday’s Championship clash, keeping their playoff hopes alive while handing Caley Thistle a fourth straight league defeat. The Stag’s victory came just days after Billy Mckay, ICT’s assistant manager, confirmed the club were no longer pursuing Fulham trialist Joe Walters and had instead turned their attention to Kerr Smith. The 21-year-old defender featured for Caley Thistle in their 2-1 loss to Ross County, giving the Highland side a first look at his credentials.

Why Kerr Smith’s trial matters for Ross County

Kerr Smith’s appearance against Ross County wasn’t just a cameo—it was a statement. The former Dundee United and Aston Villa youth product, released this summer after his Villa Park contract expired, is now a free agent hunting for a fresh start. His time at Villa included a £2 million move in January 2022, though injuries derailed his progress, cutting short loans to St Johnstone and Barrow. Smith’s Scotland Under-19 cap in November 2021, featuring future ICT players Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen and Adam Brooks, adds pedigree to his trial.

Caley Thistle’s defensive crisis has been well-documented. Mckay admitted after the Ross County defeat that Walters wouldn’t be staying, leaving a gap in their backline. Smith’s left-sided profile fits their needs, and his competitive outing against Ross County—despite the loss—could yet secure him a longer-term deal. The defender’s injury woes in England make this a high-stakes audition.

The Ross County angle: playoff push and recent form

Ross County sit 10th in the Championship with 34 points from 36 games, 43 behind leaders St Johnstone in the title race. Their goal difference of -21 (36 scored, 57 conceded) reflects a side struggling for consistency, though their recent form shows flickers of hope. The Stags have lost their last two matches but beat Raith Rovers 3-2 on 1 May 2026, a result that briefly steadied their playoff push. Their last five games read LLWWW, with wins over Dunfermline and Queen of the South sandwiched between defeats.

The derby loss to Ross County will sting for Caley Thistle, who sit 12th with 32 points. Their recent form of three wins and two losses in the last five games offers little comfort, and Smith’s trial becomes a distraction from their own defensive frailties. For Ross County, the win keeps them within touching distance of the top six, though their leaky defence remains their biggest hurdle.

What comes next for both sides

For Kerr Smith, the next 48 hours could define his career. A strong trial could land him a contract with ICT, while a poor showing might see him back on the market. His history with injuries means clubs will scrutinise his fitness closely. Caley Thistle, meanwhile, must regroup after another setback. Their defensive search isn’t over, and their next fixture—a clash with Partick Thistle—won’t wait.

Ross County, meanwhile, will look to build on their derby win. Their next challenge comes against Arbroath, a side just three points behind them in the table. With the playoffs within reach, every point counts, and their defence must tighten up if they’re to avoid another late collapse. The Highland derby may have gone their way, but the work to secure a top-six finish is far from done.