Former Caley Thistle attacker Marius Niculae has warned the Highlanders will face a baptism of fire on their Europa League debut against Astra Giurgiu.
The Scottish Cup winners will make their first appearance in competitive European football on July 16 against the Romanians, who will travel to Caledonian Stadium for the first leg.
Former Romania international Niculae, who played in Scotland with Caley Jags in season 2007-08, knows John Hughes’ side will not lack belief they can make their first European foray a victorious one, but reckons Astra will have too much quality.
The 34-year-old, who now plays for Dinamo Bucharest, said: “I think Astra will have the best chance of going through as they have a better team than Inverness and have experience of playing in European football.
“The quality of our championship is also better than in Scotland.
“Inverness is a team of fighters and always believe in their chances, but in terms of quality they cannot compare with Astra.
“The high winds at Caledonian Stadium could be an impediment for Astra, but I hope it won’t be.”
Astra were drawn against Celtic in the group stages of the competition last season and coach Marius Sumudica conceded his players have work to do in ensuring their fitness levels are ready in time for the tie.
He has targeted an away goal in the Highlands in the first leg which he believes will put his side in the driving seat.
Sumudica said: “I do not know what to say about Inverness. What I do know is they are a good team who just won a trophy in Scotland.
“They are very aggressive at home from what I know, but I cannot say they are or we are favourites.
“We hope to score at least a goal against them in Scotland to ease our work in return.
“Sure, we have some experience with Celtic last season, but we are far from physically ready right now.
“It’s not easy to start the season so early but we hope to bring in two players and I think at the start of the season will be about 80% ready.”
Caley Thistle have announced three pre-season friendlies against Highland League opposition as they prepare for their European debut.
John Hughes will take his team to Clach on Saturday, June 27 (kick-off 1pm) before travelling to Brora Rangers on Wednesday, July 1 and Forres Mechanics on Tuesday, July 7. The two midweek matches will kick-off at 7.45pm.