Caley Thistle defender Gary Warren reckons Inverness are the perfect example of why many English perceptions of Scottish football are misguided.
Warren spent the first nine years of his career playing in the English lower leagues, enjoying spells with Mangotsfield United, Team Bath and Newport County.
However, since joining Caley Jags in 2012, the 30-year-old has embraced the challenges posed by the Scottish game and reckons its reputation has been unfairly tarnished by onlookers south of the border.
Warren said: “This is the first time I’ve been open to playing a total-football style. In England the leagues are more physical. It’s a bit more hustle and bustle, it’s head, kick, head, kick.
“It’s not really football, it’s more scrappy in terms of the way you’re playing games.
“I’ve only played League 2 and Conference level in England. But for me it’s more of a physical standard, it’s kick and chase.
“The likes of the Championship and League 1 are maybe a little bit different but coming to Scotland I think people’s perceptions are wrong.
“Until you come here to play it and see the game, I don’t think you can have a perception. This is my third season here. I know what it’s like and I know there’s some really good footballing teams.
“Don’t get me wrong, you get the odd occasion where it is a kicking match. But then again, there are some good games where teams play good football.”
Warren is relishing the short-passing style implemented by manager John Hughes and reckons he has improved as a defender as a result.
Warren added: “Being introduced to this method is something I really enjoy. You’re going to make mistakes but it’s one of those things you need to have confidence in yourself to do.
“It’s helped me personally. In terms of the team, if you look at the old way we used to play, we were probably more direct. Now since the manager has come in, he has implemented his own total-football style of play. I think it’s good as a player because it just adds another string to your bow.
“You know you can play a direct pass but being able to get on the ball and play short passes and more tricky, difficult passes it adds to and improves your game. Since the manager has come in, he has only improved my game.”