Source: Team_Talk
Butcher restoring Caley pride
A former defender himself, Butcher arrived at the SPL's bottom club last month determined to tighten them up at the back.[LNB]His approach has brought instant rewards, with a goalless draw against Celtic in his first game in charge followed by a 2-0 Homecoming Scottish Cup win over Kilmarnock.[LNB]The ex-England captain is now looking to make it a hat-trick of shutouts at Dundee United on Saturday.[LNB]Butcher said: "The boys have worked really hard and have some pride back and some pride in defending too.[LNB]"The back four are big, strong and quick and they've certainly put their bodies on the line.[LNB]"That's something we have to do and that gives us a platform to build on and win games.[LNB]"There are others defenders at the club who are desperate to get into the back four so that's great to have the competition and push on the guys who have the jersey."[LNB]He added: "Our front two are our best defenders at times.[LNB]"If we lose the ball, they are the ones who press and attempt to win it back.[LNB]"But we all defend together from the front to the back and make sure our full-backs are the ones who start attacks and get things moving up the pitch.[LNB]"It's a team performance and everyone should take great pride in those two successive clean sheets.[LNB]"We've started well and sorted out a blueprint as to how we're going to survive.[LNB]"But, you know, we want more clean sheets, goals and more importantly points and it's up to the players to take that on.[LNB]"They're a happy bunch and have shown a willingness to take on what we've said."[LNB]So buoyant is Butcher, he even shrugged off the heavy snow that has wreaked havoc in the north of Scotland over the past week.[LNB]"Weather-wise, it's not been too bad," he said.[LNB]"The boys got out and about on the park on Monday and worked on a bit on passing and possession and we managed a fringe game against Elgin City on Tuesday for some of the reserve guys to get a run out too.[LNB]"We were up at the Highland Football Academy again yesterday and it's great to take advantage of that facility.[LNB]"Most of the central-belts team don't get the chance to use such a thing."[LNB]Inverness will travel to play a United side who are arguably at their lowest ebb of the season following three games without a win in all competitions.[LNB]Butcher said: "It's another game and a chance to pick up three points, but I'm after a good, positive performance first and foremost.[LNB]"As long as we make progress from the last two matches, the result will take of itself.[LNB]"I'm not concerned about Dundee United. I know they're a quality side and they really dig in.[LNB]"For me, they should've finished third last year and I feel they'll achieve that this season, but that's their season and ours is based purely on survival."[LNB][LNB]
