Caley Thistle defender Jamie McCart reckons Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Hearts at Tynecastle shows the bottom-of-the-table Highlanders are better than their league position.
Inverness have not won a league match since October and made the trip to Edinburgh with a injury-ravaged squad and short of confidence following the previous weekend’s humiliating 6-0 Scottish Cup defeat against Celtic.
Carl Tremarco’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Jambos midfielder Arnaud Djoum and Hearts could have taken all three points but midfielder Jamie Walker had a late penalty saved by Caley Jags goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams.
On-loan Celtic defender McCart hailed the spirit shown by his teammates, who moved to within two points of second-bottom Hamilton Accies.
McCart said: “We’re a really good team. I don’t think the table shows the true quality of the squad. Results haven’t gone our way, and we’ve played well in games in the short time I’ve been in.
“We’re a quality side and that showed we can match the sides at the top if we really believe.
“Everyone gave their all and put their bodies on the line when they had to. That team spirit is what got us the result in the end. We really worked as a team.”
McCart impressed in his second match since joining Caley Jags on loan from the Hoops last month, and the 19-year-old feels he is already reaping the benefits of regular senior football. McCart added: “It’s a hostile environment at Tynecastle and something I would never experience playing under-20s football.
“It’s a big step up from under-20s to the top division, but I’ve got a lot of good people around me at the club helping me so I appreciate that.
“I’m just glad the manager and Inverness gave me the opportunity to come here. I started against Hearts and hopefully I’ve put in a good enough performance to keep in his thoughts for Friday’s game against Rangers.
“It’s a great opportunity for me. First of all I want to try to break into the team, that’s the main thing. I need to try to get games and just constantly improve and learn.
“I’m doing that with the group of players here, and the manager and coaching staff. I can see it paying off massively already.
“I don’t feel the pressure of being bottom of the table and I don’t think any of the players do. They just go out and give 100% and I’m the same.”
