Caley Thistle manager John Hughes is confident his side will defeat Kilmarnock this afternoon, only if his players can replicate their performance on the training ground when it matters most.
Caley Jags go into today’s match on the back of defeats against Partick Thistle and Celtic, with last weekend’s game against Hearts at Tynecastle postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
The Highlanders’ last victory came on November 7, when they defeated Motherwell 3-1 at Fir Park, but Hughes says the stuttering form can be fixed.
He said: “We’re doing more specific work towards game situations and I think the players appreciate that. It gives them clarity.
“I’m a great believer that the way players train carries over into the matches.
“We’re spending more time on what to expect come a Saturday.
“We’re painting pictures for them and that’s all good work. They’re doing it with a great attitude.”
Inverness’ cause has been hampered by a succession of injuries, however Hughes’ problems appear to be easing, with Jordan Roberts and Richie Foran returning to training, meaning long-term casualties Dean Brill and Aaron Doran are now the only absentees.
Hughes is pleased to be closing in on a fully-fit squad and has challenged his players to earn their place in the team.
He added: “There’s competition for places. I can see it – things are getting a bit heated in training. They’re all putting their foot in and wanting that starting slot. We’ve been waiting for that.
“It doesn’t guarantee we’re going to win the match, but I can just feel a positive vibe when everybody is at it.
“Hopefully it will serve us in good stead come the start of the match.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Danny Williams hopes his team can reassert themselves on the home front.
The 27-year-old knows Highland victories are crucial and said: “The last few years have been pretty much like a fortress here. Clubs haven’t liked coming and that’s what we want to get back to – winning games in front of our home supporters.
“So we need a good start to December against Kilmarnock and also Dundee United after that so we will be looking for the points to get into the top six, which is where we want to be and where we have been for the last few years.”