Caley Thistle manager John Hughes has been quick to praise his squad for its spirit and determination, but reckons the ability in the team will keep it ahead of the chasing pack in second place in the Scottish Premiership.
The 49-year-old was a contented man after guiding Inverness to a 2-0 victory at Hearts while watching from the dugout for the first time.
Hughes has already adapted to life in the Highland capital two weeks since taking over from Terry Butcher as Caley Jags manager.
He said: “We need to stick with the core values that exist in the city of Inverness and resonate inside the dressing-room.
“One of the big secrets is Inverness itself.
“All the players stay in the city and share flats or stay next door to one another and the wives and girlfriends are all friends.
“We cannot get away from the character and spirit shown at this club and the underdog mentality – as soon as we get beyond that we will get our backsides kicked.
“We have to keep grounded and keep the fundamental values and play off that. There is a really strong spirit, but spirit can only can you so far.
“However I have not really mentioned the quality of the players.”
Hughes inherited an established squad at Inverness and has been impressed with the players at his disposal after a comprehensive win at Tynecastle.
He added: “Graeme Shinnie has natural ability and Nick Ross is a very good footballer. I have been sitting in the house at night and trying to draw up training sessions as I want Nick in possession the most to make him a better player.
“The likes of Billy McKay, Aaron Doran, Marley Watkins, Ross Draper and Richie Foran are all quality. There is a really good balance and understanding of each other’s positions.”