Caley Thistle manager Richie Foran has not been surprised to see so many of his former team-mates thrive since moving to today’s Premiership opponents Aberdeen.
Former Inverness players Jonny Hayes, Adam Rooney and Graeme Shinnie have made successful switches to the Dons, with last season’s leading scorer Miles Storey also looking to make an impression after joining the Reds in the summer.
Foran credits Caley Jags with playing an important role in each of their careers, insisting their success since leaving the Highlands can be used as a bargaining tool to tempt new players to the club.
Former Inverness captain Foran, who replaced John Hughes as manager in the summer, said: “Our ex-players will be eager to go out and perform for their club now but, hopefully, they can have an off-day.
“When Hayes and Rooney first came here, I thought we improved them immensely at the club under previous managers. When they went to Aberdeen they improved even more.
“They have just gone up and up and, obviously, getting international calls as well underlines it.
“I’m just surprised Graeme Shinnie hasn’t had the call yet. He’s a very consistent player, so I’m sure his time will come as well.
“There is a lot of talk about Jonny moving on, which I’d expect for a player of his calibre. Aberdeen have done well to hold on to him.
“Players like them have moved on, as have players like Billy Mckay when he went to Wigan and Andy Shinnie to Birmingham. So, I try to sell that to the new lads when they come in.
“They can come in here and impress for five or six months but will get their big move and clubs will pay the right money for them. It’s a great platform for players if they do want to move on but I also tell them just to concentrate on what they’re doing here.”
Caley Jags had the edge over Derek McInnes’ side last season, taking seven points from a possible nine, and Foran reckons the encounter has many of the ingredients of a derby, adding: “There’s a bit of spice to the Aberdeen games.
“When Ross County weren’t in the league, it was like our derby even though it is 100 miles away. It is always a great atmosphere when we go there. There will be a big crowd.
“It’s set up to be a very exciting game.”
