Caley Thistle manager John Robertson hopes the Highlanders can maintain their strong defensive record despite upheaval in their rearguard during the January transfer window.
Jamie McCart is on the verge of completing a move to Premiership side St Johnstone, with the two clubs having agreed a deal but awaiting paperwork being finalised before the switch is complete.
The 22-year-old signed a pre-contract with Saints last week, however Saints boss Tommy Wright has moved to secure McCart in time for him to feature against his former club Celtic at McDiarmid Park tonight.
McCart will join his former central defensive partner Coll Donaldson in leaving Caledonian Stadium, after his move to Highland rivals Ross County earlier this month.
Robertson moved to bring in Falkirk defender Lewis Toshney, who remains Caley Jags’ only January arrival so far.
Inverness boast a strong defensive record this season which has helped them keep a grip on second place in the Championship, with goalkeeper Mark Ridgers’ 11 league clean sheets more than any other goalkeeper across all four SPFL divisions.
Robertson hopes the defensive reshuffle does not disrupt his side’s solid foundations, and he said: “Our solidity at the back has been the key to our success all season.
“Mark Ridgers has the most clean sheets across all four divisions. That’s something he is very proud of, as is the defence and so they should be, as they have done very well in that respect.
“We just keep going into each game and if we win with a clean sheet it’s a bonus. If we concede but we win, it’s still a win and that’s all we are concerned about.”
Caley Jags are aiming to bounce back from Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Ayr United when they host Alloa Athletic on Saturday, with Robertson insisting the players that started at Somerset Park will be kept on their toes.
He added: “We have got a very good squad, with players who can play in various positions if required. That’s what we will need.
“We have needed it so far this season as we have had a lot of key players out injured. We have just brushed that off and continued on our merry way.
“The standard of play is key, it will keep the intensity and competition high.
“It’s about reaching those high standards, knowing that if you drop below them there is a guy now coming on who is every bit as good.”
