Caley Thistle manager John Hughes insists results are immaterial in the build-up to the new season.
Inverness continued their preparations for the new campaign with a 1-0 win against Raith Rovers at Stark’s Park, with Ryan Christie’s late goal decisive.
However, Hughes felt his side’s work in training was the most important factor.
He said: “The result is irrelevant. It’s the work we’re doing on the training pitch, and I can see it coming to fruition. We had ball domination once again, we were very good throughout the match and could have scored a few more goals.
“The pitch was perfect for us. All pre-season it’s been sticky and it slowed us down. On Saturday it was a quick pitch, and that was the next step in our preparation, to move the ball quicker. I was really pleased for the players. Once again, everybody is getting their shot and staking their claim for a start.
“We’ve got real good competition for places. We’re maybe a little light in numbers but when they’re so versatile and can play in a number of positions, it makes it a little bit easier.”
Raith manager Grant Murray was content with his side’s performance, and saw a noticeable improvement from Tuesday night’s 4-0 defeat against York City.
Murray said: “Inverness certainly worked us hard so we got a lot out of it.”
The Kirkcaldy side went the closest to scoring in the first half when, after 19 minutes, Mark Stewart crossed Christian Nade, who was unfortunate to see his thunderous volley come off the underside of the bar.
Billy Mckay had Inverness’ best chance of the opening 45 minutes when he was played through by Greg Tansey, however the Northern Irishman drilled his shot narrowly wide of Kevin Cuthbert’s left-hand post.
Caley Thistle goalkeeper Dean Brill was forced into action two minutes before the interval, turning Rory McKeown’s shot behind and substitute goalkeeper Ryan Esson made two smart saves to deny Nade early in the second half, while at the other end Mckay was thwarted by the legs of Cuthbert when clean through on goal.
However, the winning goal arrived eight minutes from time. Graeme Shinnie – who made great use of the left flank all afternoon – drove to the byeline before cutting the ball back for substitute Ryan Christie, and the teenager turned the ball home at the near post from six yards out.