Ross County manager Jim McIntyre is determined to turn history on its head in today’s Highland derby against Caley Thistle.
The Staggies have not fared well in their 51 encounters against Inverness since the two clubs entered the senior leagues in 1994, with Caley Jags boasting 26 wins to County’s 12.
Inverness won all three league encounters between the sides last season, despite County eventually pipping them to a top-six finish.
McIntyre has registered just one derby victory in seven attempts since replacing Derek Adams as manager in September 2014 and is desperate to improve his side’s fortunes in what he values as the most important fixture of the Staggies’ season.
McIntyre said: “It is all to play for. A derby is the most important game on our calendar, so we have to make sure we go and win it.
“We know how tough that is going to be. Caley Thistle are exactly the same as us, looking to bounce back and make up for getting put out of the cup.
“Any time a derby comes around we’re desperate to play in the game. The games we really look forward to are the derbies and big games against the Old Firm. That’s where we have to test ourselves.
“Our record against them was very close since we came here up until the last two games of last season. We have struggled against them mainly at home but we have been better away from home against them.
“I’m sure with them having a new manager and it being his first derby, and with the way the season has started, both clubs will show a real determination to try and get the three points.
“For me, it is just important we stick to our gameplan, do what we’re good at. If we do that, we’ve a good chance of winning the match.”
