Source: Team_Talk
Butcher issues midfield challenge
Duncan was red-carded in the last weekend's 1-1 draw at Dundee United - though he would miss out anyway with a hip injury - while Black has picked up too many yellow cards and sits the game out.[LNB]Brian Kerr could be handed his first Inverness start, although he is likely to face competition from Roy McBain, Iain Vigurs and the fit-again Filipe Morais for a starting berth.[LNB]Butcher said: "The players are throwing their bodies on the lines in games, which means we could pick up more injuries and suspensions along the way.[LNB]"So everybody's got to keep fresh and sharp because we don't know when we'll need them, but they have to be up to the tempo to step straight in.[LNB]"We've worked on the shape and we know who's going to slot into the midfield on Saturday, but it's up to the players coming in to match the standard of those dropping out and I'm looking forward to seeing the guys handle that."[LNB]Rock-bottom Caley Thistle are unbeaten in Butcher's three games in charge and are aiming to reduce the four-point gap between them and nearest rivals Falkirk by extending their impressive home record against Hibs.[LNB]Mixu Paatelainen's men have never won at the Caledonian Stadium but did pick up a point on their last visit in August.[LNB]Butcher said: "I've spoken to a few people about their record here and it's nothing short of poor.[LNB]"They did come up here at the start of the season and get a draw but we went down to their patch in November and picked up all three points.[LNB]"We know how difficult it's going to be.[LNB]"They were unlucky to leave Rugby Park empty handed last weekend so we'll well aware of how dangerous they can be. They've got good options and can dominate at set pieces.[LNB]"The game should be an exciting one. Hibs are a very good footballing side who like to get the ball down and pass it and they've got some great characters in their team led by two good friends of mine, Mixu Paatelainen and Donald Park.[LNB]"But I'm more concerned with the way we play and make sure we get the result."[LNB]Inverness have discovered a defensive resolve under Butcher, with January signing Pavels Mihadjuks playing a pivotal role.[LNB]Butcher said of the Latvian: "He's eager to learn more and his attitude and determination is first class, which is the same for all the players.[LNB]"Big Pavels understands more of the language than he speaks but he knows the language of football, which is important.[LNB]"In training, he's great. We'll point out a few things to make him aware of but he reads the game superbly and his positional sense is good because of his education in Latvia.[LNB]"I never like singling out players on their own especially because the defence is a collective unit and you've got five guys in there doing a great job."[LNB]Meanwhile, Irish defender Richie Byrne has joined St Johnstone on a month's loan, having failed to make an impact so far at the Caledonian Stadium.[LNB][LNB] Hibernian 13/8[LNB], Inverness 7/4[LNB], Draw 9/4[LNB]
