Caley Thistle captain Gary Warren accepts his side must toughen up to escape the threat of relegation.
Inverness manager Richie Foran described his players as “bottlers” and “mentally weak” after the crushing 3-0 loss at Hamilton on Tuesday night.
The dismal and damaging result left Caley Jags three points adrift at the foot of the Scottish Premiership and without a win in 12 matches and Warren, pictured below, said: “We were weak against Hamilton.
“When we go to a place like New Douglas Park we have to stand up and be strong and physical to face the challenge ahead of us in the games.
“We needed to have the courage to get on the ball and to try to play, but we didn’t do that.
“We lack confidence as we are down at the bottom of the table, but it’s up to individuals to get out of it.
“The only way to do that of it is to work hard, knuckle down and try to be as brave as we can.
“Players have to start standing up and being counted.
“There are too many at the moment who are letting each other down.”
Inverness will try to end the long wait for a victory to ease mounting pressure on rookie manager Foran when Dundee visit the Caledonian Stadium on Saturday.
The Irishman described the game as a cup final for his side, but Warren believes there is still time for the team to work its way up the table.
He said: “There’s no hiding place, but there are still four months left of the season to go so there is plenty of time.
“We have to stand up now and be strong.
“The more experienced players, including myself, have to try to pull the rest of the squad through.
“We have to help out as much as we can.
“We have enough quality to not be where we are and we should be higher up the table.
“But we’re not showing it and we are not getting the best out of each other.”
Warren, however, believes the return of Billy Mckay to Inverness on loan from Wigan Athletic can be an important part in helping the club return to winning ways.
The 28-year-old made a deadline day move to his former club and played the 90 minutes in Tuesday’s defeat.
Warren added: “He did really well. It was his first start back at the club.
“It’s just a pity more of us weren’t at it to help him out.
“He’ll be a great addition. He knows the club well and he’s a natural goalscorer.
“We have to make sure everyone is pulling in the same direction.
“We have no excuses and we have to put a run together and be more consistent.”
