Caley Thistle midfielder Ross Draper says joining Inverness is the best move he has made and the Englishman is determined to reaffirm his belief further by securing European football next season.
Caley Jags reached the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals with a 1-0 victory against Raith Rovers on Tuesday and will face either Celtic or Dundee United at Hampden Park next month.
It is the latest triumph in an outstanding season for John Hughes’ men, who are seven points clear of United in the Premiership’s third place, with 10 games left.
Inverness will qualify for the Europa League for the first time in their 21-year history if they maintain their position and Draper is determined to rise to the challenge.
He expected to be part of a side trying to fend off relegation when he joined in 2012 and, having already exceeded those expectations, the 26-year-old wants to keep setting new highs.
Draper said: “Reaching a semi-final is a fantastic achievement for a bunch of boys who deserve it. It’s great to work with a well grounded them and I’m delighted for all of them. Hopefully we can go one step further.
“Looking at the size of the club and the resources to other big clubs it’s astonishing how well we’ve done. It’s credit to them and I’m delighted for all of them that they have the chance to play in front of a hopefully packed Hampden.
“Joining Inverness has been the best decision of my life. This is our third semi-final in three years.
“It’s an incredible achievement. I was told I was coming for a scrap and a relegation battle. To do it three years on the trot and, hopefully, finish in the top six three years on the bounce is fantastic.
“European football is the next aim. We could rest on our laurels and be happy with another semi-final and a fourth or fifth place finish which would be brilliant for the club but we want to kick on.”
With no match this weekend, Inverness’ squad has taken a midweek break to Aviemore.
Caley Jags return to action with a Premiership match against Partick Thistle at Firhill a week on Saturday and Draper hopes his side will emerge refreshed after the time off.
Draper added: “Now we can go away and recharge the batteries as it has been tough on the boys.
“It’s been a long season and it’s been the same 15 or 16 lads who have played for the majority of the season.
“It’s a tight squad and a lot of miles run by the same legs so we’ll go away and recharge and come back firing for Partick.”