Caley Thistle are facing a defensive shortage for tomorrow’s Betfred Cup tie against Raith Rovers.
Inverness are already without Shaun Rooney until the end of August with ankle ligament damage, while Kevin McHattie is still trying to shake off a thigh strain.
John Robertson’s options have now been further curtailed by a hamstring injury suffered by Brad Mckay, which caused him to be withdrawn at the halfway stage of Tuesday’s draw against Peterhead at Balmoor.
Robertson has hinted he could turn to some of his young prospects for tomorrow’s visit of the Fifers, with teenagers Cameron Harper and Harry Nicolson options across the backline.
Robertson said: “Brad Mckay hurt his hamstring so I don’t think he’ll make the game. Kevin McHattie is out, along with Shaun Rooney, so we’ve lost three defenders, which is not great.
“But we have younger lads who’ve been excellent. They will step in and we have no fear – they’ve shown in pre-season they’re capable of playing at a higher level.
“Until everyone is back we will continue to promote our youngsters, because we feel they’re good enough.”
Robertson is also likely to be without midfielders Daniel MacKay, Sean Welsh and Aaron Doran who have yet to feature so far this season.
Caley Jags were defeated on penalties by the Blue Toon in midweek to lose out on a bonus point, and Robertson is demanding a better display this weekend, adding: “It wasn’t a great performance, but we’ve seen in the performances against Hearts, Aberdeen and St Johnstone what they’re capable of.
“We know we have to be better – and I’m sure we will be on Saturday.”
The visit of Rovers represents another League 1 test, and Robertson is wary of John McGlynn’s side despite their 3-0 loss to Dundee on Saturday.
Robertson added: “They will be disappointed. We had the match watched and they got off to a poor start, going a couple of goals down in half an hour.
“They allowed Dundee to gain the initiative and Dundee pressed home the initiative very well.
“Like Peterhead, they have danger going forward and that’s what we’re expecting.”
