Ross County midfielder Jackson Irvine believes the Staggies are finally ready to step out of Inverness’ shadows.
The Dingwall side have struggled to match the achievements of their Highland neighbours since joining Caley Thistle in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
While Saturday’s visitors to Dingwall have been perennial top-six candidates and claimed their first ever major trophy with last year’s William Hill Scottish Cup triumph, County have faced a series of battles just to keep themselves in the top flight.
But this season the roles have been reversed, with Jim McIntyre’s side now up to fourth – five points ahead of eighth-placed Inverness.
And Irvine believes victory in this weekend’s Highland Derby at County’s Global Energy Stadium will reaffirm their desire to remain top dogs in the north.
The Australia international said: “Derbies always provide that little extra edge and all the players are looking forward to it.
“If we could win it would make a big statement. After Inverness’ success over the last couple of seasons they have had a really good time.
“This club has been tailing at the bottom end of the league so if we could pick up three points on Saturday – even if it is still early on in the season – it would send out a message that we are here to stay.”
You have to go back to January 2014 to find County’s last win over their local rivals.
Irvine, who joined last year on loan from Celtic before making the deal permanent in the summer, is still waiting for his first success but hopes luck does not desert him again this weekend.
“I haven’t tasted a derby win yet,” he said. “So far I’ve managed two draws and a defeat. I did score my first goal for County against Inverness though and I’ll be looking to bag another because I feel like I haven’t scored for a while.
“My family were over for that match but unfortunately we didn’t get the result we were all hoping for. I hope that’s not an omen because my mum is here again on Saturday.
“I’m just glad I’m not a superstitious man.”