Scott Morrison believes Caley Thistle are favourites to win today’s Highland derby in Dingwall, despite Ross County having beaten their rivals twice already this season.
County trail the Caley Jags by three points in the First Division table but have two games in hand over their neighbours.
Terry Butcher’s side is unbeaten in 11 league games, moving itself into title contention behind leaders Dundee.
Staggies left back Morrison has been impressed with their resurgence.
He said: “Maybe putting ourselves down as underdogs has helped us, so why change it now?
“There is no doubt Caley Thistle are the bigger club, they have been in the SPL and I am sure Ross County would love to be there one day.
“If we beat them it does feel like a scalp.
“Even though we have beaten them twice this season, we will still be just as proud if we beat them again.
“We do feel as though we are the underdogs, genuinely. Caley Thistle have really picked up well since the last league game when we beat them.
“They were maybe struggling as a team back then but they have really improved and bonded as a team.
“They have won some games quite convincingly and I think it will be a tougher game this time.
“Inverness will be hurting from the last game, especially with the County fans in such good spirits, they won’t want to come here and let their own supporters down again.”
Morrison is not looking beyond this afternoon’s game with a Scottish Cup quarter-final replay against Hibs looming.
He added: “We have exceeded expectations massively.
“We don’t want to get ahead of ourselves and feel deflated if we don’t get to where we feel we should.
“We have set our own high standards throughout the season.
“The only pressure which we have put on ourselves is through our good performances.
“We need to try to match them, keep it going and see where that takes us.”