Caley Thistle assistant manager Scott Kellacher feels Inverness’ form over the coming weeks can set them up for a strong finish to the Championship campaign.
Inverness face Dundee United at Caledonian Stadium today in the first of seven games before the end of January, with John Robertson’s men currently fifth but only behind Queen of the South on goal difference.
Kellacher feels Caley Jags are entering a defining period of their season, with today’s game followed by away matches against Morton and Ross County before the new year.
Kellacher said: “The Christmas period and January period is massive. It gives you a good idea where you’re going to be come the end of the season.
“If we can get a good run during that spell, it will be huge for us.
“We’ll be going into the Dundee United game looking for a win to kick-start a run for us through that winter period.
“The Edinburgh City cup replay was very good for us, scoring six goals, because we have struggled against teams up here in the past, such as Stirling Albion.
“Our performance was convincing once we went 2-1 up. If we can put in that kind of performance against Dundee United, hopefully we can get off to a good start over the Christmas period.”
Kellacher says Inverness have placed emphasis on breaking teams down, as they aim to add to their solitary home league victory so far this term.
He added: “Teams coming up to play us know we are an attacking team who like to play football. They like to get men behind the ball, so it is hard right from the off.
“We like to get bodies forward and they like to hit us on the counter-attack.
“It is something we are aware of and have tried to work on in terms of keeping men behind the ball while also doing what we’re good at – going out and attacking teams.
“I would say the players are learning how to deal with it.
“It can be so frustrating when teams just sit in. For us by the side of the pitch it is frustrating, but it can also be frustrating for the lads playing as well when they’re trying to pass through teams.
“We’ve worked hard on the short, sharp stuff, trying to play around teams. Here’s hoping it will reap rewards in the next few matches.”
Inverness remain without skipper Carl Tremarco and midfielder Angus Beith for today’s match.