Inverness manager Terry Butcher has told his players they are lacking the drive and desire needed to secure a place in the top six of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League following their defeat to Dundee United.
The 2-0 loss at the Caledonian Stadium saw the Highlanders drop out of the top half of the table, having again failed to match the high standards they set in the first half of the season.
"I don't know what it is, you try to motivate them and don't criticise them and then they turn in another display like that," said Butcher. "It's very puzzling but we'll get to the bottom of it. It was a very listless and poor performance."
He added: "We didn't talk to each other or hunt in packs. It was very isolated, we were a team of individuals.
"That impetus and drive for the top six just hasn't been there.
"We got into a great position before Christmas and we have thrown it away.
"Two wins out of 14 is nowhere near good enough to keep you in the top six.
"The people that get into the top six are the ones that really want to be in the top six and we just haven't shown that desire."
Butcher has now challenged his players to demonstrate their commitment to the cause as he prepares for the weekend action.
He told BBC Scotland: "We're going to have a look to see who wants to be in this team on Saturday against Motherwell, that's the key. Systems don't matter to me now, it's about players showing that heart and desire that they want to play for Caley Thistle."
Source: PA
