Caley Thistle manager John Hughes has paid tribute to Ross County’s League Cup victory but he is out to dampen the Staggies’ celebrations with a derby triumph at Dingwall this afternoon.
Inverness’ Premiership top-six hopes are dwindling after a poor recent run of form which has seen them fail to win any of their last seven matches, making a win at Victoria Park crucial.
The Scottish Cup holders saw their hopes of retaining the trophy ended by Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat by Hibernian, just days after watching rivals County lift the League Cup.
The Staggies will celebrate their success after today’s game and, although Hughes applauds their achievements, he is determined to rain on their parade.
Hughes said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for Ross County. I don’t know if we’re giving them a guard of honour or whatever but I’ll be one standing and applauding them. It was different class.
“It is great for the Highlands, great for the country – two so-called provincial clubs winning trophies.
“It is all about bragging rights in a derby but that comes afterwards. We have to make sure we are switched on and ready to go.
“To be fair to the boys, they have been giving me everything they’ve got. We just keep shooting ourselves in the foot.
“There’s highs and lows in football. We just need to put it right – stick together, trust each other and keep believing we’re a good side. We’re not far away and it soon turns.
“There is nothing else to play for bar that league and hopefully we get back to winning ways so we can try to get into that top six.”
Inverness welcomed skipper Richie Foran and defender Josh Meekings back into the starting line-up for Wednesday’s match and Hughes praised the pair for their character in working their way back from long-term injuries.
Hughes added: “They never let themselves down but we need to protect them. We’re asking them to go when they’re probably not quite ready.
“I said six weeks ago in the newspapers that players need to stamp injuries off and get going, if they can.
“That’s one thing these two boys have shown. All credit to them.
“We’re grateful for that but have to look after them as well. We’ll see how their legs are. It’s a big game for us but we have to do what’s right for them and the team.”
