Caley Thistle manager John Hughes has warned his players Inverness risk becoming a Scottish Cup scalp if they underestimate Raith Rovers today.
Caley Jags, who count recent signings Tarmo Kink and Edward Ofere among the squad for today’s match, host Rovers in the quarter-final of the national cup competition.
With the Championship club achieving what his side could not do in beating Rangers in a cup tie this season, Hughes knows his players cannot afford to take the Kirkcaldy club lightly.
He said: “We played them in pre-season. I’ve worked with five or six of their players and they are good, professional footballers. They’re always well organised and they’re going well in the league, still hoping to get the play-off position. They have good experience mixed in. It’s going to be a cracking game.
“We’re going have to be at our best. We went to Ibrox in the League Cup and could not beat Rangers, while they did.
“I’m quite sure there will be a lot of nerves and tension but we need to overcome that. It’s my job to free them up and let them get out there and express themselves.”
Inverness suffered their first defeat of 2015 when they lost 2-1 at Motherwell in the league last weekend, but Hughes insists the outcome was harsh and has urged his players to stick to his principles as they try to get back to winning ways.
He said: “We really have to concentrate and keep playing our style of football. That’s what has brought us so far.
“Even against Motherwell on Saturday, we weren’t too bad. We still tried to play our own way.
“We’re at the business end of the season and every game from now until the finish is a prisoner.
“With heavy pitches, overhead conditions, teams fighting for their lives and teams with new faces, they are all challenging games.
“Everyone knows what’s at stake – it’s important we let our football do the talking.”
Defender Gary Warren is suspended for Caley Thistle, although Hughes does have James Vincent back training and in contention.
Attacker Marley Watkins is also available again after suspension.
