Caley Thistle manager Richie Foran says there will be no excuses for his side failing to meet his target of a top-six finish this season.
Inverness last season missed out on a top-half finish for the first time in four years after an injury-ravaged campaign under previous manager John Hughes.
Caley Jags have made a promising start under Foran, with a victory against Aberdeen at Caledonian Stadium today enough to move them to within four points of the second-placed Dons.
Foran has set his players the task of a top-six finish and expects them to deliver.
The Irishman said: “We need consistency, the right players and a good spine to the team. We need our goalkeeper on fine form at times, which we have. We need a bit of luck with injuries, which we’ve been getting.
“There’s not a lot in it between most teams and I’m sure every team in the league will think they can get into the top six.
“There’s only three points in it up to sixth. But we have to be winning our home games – and picking up points on the road as well.
“Last year it was frustrating to miss out on the top six. The standard has gone right up over the last seven or eight years I’ve been here.
“It used to be all about staying in the league as the target. Supporters now expect big things from us. The players are there to get us into the top six. There will be no excuses unless we hit drastic injury lists.”
Inverness are unbeaten in four matches against Derek McInnes’ Reds and Foran is keenly anticipating today’s encounter, insisting he enjoys the competitive edge in games against the Reds.
He added: “It used to be the derby game – although it’s over 100 miles away.
“Supporters travel in their droves and it’s always a fantastic atmosphere. They’re quite evenly-matched squads as well.
“Both teams have really good attacking players and are strong at the back with good midfielders. They’re very hard games to call.
“There is a good rivalry there. Both sets of players enjoy the games. They’re really tense, tough matches to play in and exciting.”
