John Robertson believes today’s home tussle with Alloa is all the more vital given looming cup commitments.
The Caley Thistle boss saw Ayr United slash his club’s second-place cushion down to a single point with a 1-0 victory at Somerset Park last weekend.
Seven days later, only a victory will satisfy the ex-Hearts striker as he seeks to hold on to second place ahead of a three-week break from Championship action.
The Highlanders face Livingston at home in the Scottish Cup next weekend, before taking on Rangers Colts in the Challenge Cup semi-final the next week.
During those weekends, Ayr will have one league match and fourth-placed Dundee will have two with which to crank up the pressure on Caley Thistle.
Robertson said: “We’re still second and particularly this week we need to pick up the three points because we miss out in the following two weeks through cup action.
“That will allow teams around us to close the gap or even overtake us, so it is important we finish this round of league games with a good victory against a very tough Alloa side.”
Inverness have winger Tom Walsh contending for a starting place, but fellow attacker James Keatings has been struggling with a hip problem this week and is a doubt for the game.
Robertson said: “James may not make it for Saturday but we have a strong squad and we want to make sure we come away with a good home win.
“We’ve recalled Cameron Harper to bolster the squad and the great thing is that Cammy got three games with Elgin City in as many weeks and is now sharp and ready to play if needed.”
