Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell has explained the absence of Northern Ireland international Ronan Hale from the team's 2-0 win over Partick Thistle on Friday. Hale, who has been linked with a move away from the Scottish Championship club, was reportedly ill and not due to transfer speculation.

What happened?

Hale was scheduled to start in the matchday squad but reported an illness and was replaced. Kettlewell revealed that Hale had been experiencing a virus and had to be replaced by another player.

Why it matters for Ross County

The absence of Hale has sparked transfer speculation, with several clubs reportedly interested in signing the Northern Ireland international. However, Kettlewell has insisted that Hale's absence was due to illness and not transfer speculation.

What comes next?

Ross County's next fixture is against Peterhead on November 7, 2026. Hale's future at the club remains uncertain, with several clubs reportedly interested in signing the Northern Ireland international.

In a statement, Kettlewell said: "There's a virus going about, and Ryan Duncan came off because he's ill. Fair play, he's put himself out there even though he was sick at half time. Declan Gallagher and Alex Iacovitti have had it over the last couple of weeks, and Ronan reported it this morning when he was in the starting line-up so we had to adjust our team, but the guys who came in came up trumps for us."

Hale has been linked with a move away from Ross County, with several clubs reportedly interested in signing the Northern Ireland international. However, Kettlewell has insisted that Hale's absence was due to illness and not transfer speculation.

Hale has been a key player for Ross County, scoring 14 league goals in his maiden Scottish Premiership campaign last term. However, his exploits couldn't stop the Staggies suffering relegation. Hale has continued to impress in Scotland's second-tier, netting seven times in 18 league appearances for a Ross County side sitting bottom of the table and facing the prospect of consecutive drops.

The 27-year-old's absence from the matchday squad for Friday's fixture led to speculation Hale could be nearing the exit door. However, Kettlewell has insisted that isn't the case and revealed he was scheduled to start before reporting his illness.

Hale would likely be targeting a move to at least League One level to increase his chances of earning a recall to Northern Ireland's squad ahead of their World Cup semi-final play-off against Italy in March. The former Larne ace made his international debut in June after switching allegiance from the Republic of Ireland and was an unused substitute in Northern Ireland's opening two qualifying games. However, Hale missed out on selection across the next two windows with the likes of Jamie Reid, Dion Charles, and Josh Magennis preferred.

"For Ronan, it's a massive jump from the Scottish Championship to this level of football," said Michael O'Neill in October. "I think the other strikers are ahead of those two strikers (Hale and Dale Taylor) at this minute in time. We've had Ronan in since March. There was the protracted eligibility thing that took time. I was disappointed for him that he didn't get a move in the summer. I certainly think that would have helped him. He knew that himself but, look, we continue to watch him."

Ross County's next fixture is against Peterhead on November 7, 2026.