Charlie Trafford insists Caley Thistle are not in the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Challenge Cup just to make up the numbers.
Inverness face Championship rivals Alloa Athletic in today’s fourth round tie, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake for the winners.
Canadian midfielder Trafford was among the substitutes when John Robertson’s men won the competition in 2018, courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Dumbarton at McDiarmid Park.
The 27-year-old says going all the way in the competition should be the target once again, and he said: “That’s what you are in football for, you want to win trophies.
“It’s not as big as the Scottish Cup, but winning is winning.
“I really enjoyed winning it. I don’t know if it was the prettiest of games. We enjoyed it, and it was good for the team atmosphere.
“We are going out to win it, it’s not just ticking over a game.”
Today’s visit of the Wasps is the first instalment of a double header between the two sides, with Inverness hosting Peter Grant’s side on league duty next weekend.
Although Alloa are eighth, just a point above the relegation play-off place, Trafford feels their 1-0 victory over leaders Dundee United last Friday shows the Clackmannanshire outfit cannot be underestimated.
Trafford added: “This league is a bit crazy. We saw Alloa go and beat Dundee United last week, so we can’t underestimate anybody.
“There is that little bit of pressure, but we know anyone can beat anyone.
“We just need to stick to what we are good at and do a job.
“We lost to Partick here. so when we do have a slip up it’s important we bounce back the following week.
“As we showed with what we did against Ayr, who are one of the top teams in the league right now, it’s important we answer back.”
Inverness go into the match high on confidence following last Saturday’s fine 2-0 victory over second placed Ayr United, which keeps the Highlanders just two points adrift of the summit.
Trafford says his side must aim to consolidate their place among the top of the table mix, and he added: “It splits us away in the top three from the rest of the pack. That’s important early in the year, because everyone takes points off everyone.
“If you can split away, that group tends to stick like that for a long part of the season.
“It’s massive for confidence in showing we know we can beat anyone.”
