Chris Hogg is determined that Inverness finish their Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign on a high and hold off the challenge from below to finish seventh.
Caley Thistle spent much of the season in the top six, but slipped down the table after a run of two wins in 17 games. Terry Butcher's side are unable to climb into the top half before the SPL split, despite having two games in hand, but Hogg is hoping to finish top of the bottom half and keep his former club Hibernian, who are eighth, and ninth-placed St Johnstone at bay.
"We want to finish seventh now," said Hogg, ahead of Saturday's match at home to Hearts. "We'll be doing everything we can to try and do that. We know it's going to be difficult because the teams below us are picking up a bit. Points are going to be there to scrap for and fight for."
Hogg joined Inverness after being released by Hibs in January and was disappointed Caley Thistle could not claim a top-half place.
"I've never finished in the bottom six," the defender said. "Unfortunately it didn't come off. Ultimately we didn't deserve to do it because we didn't get the points on the board when we maybe should have done.
"We had opportunities to do it and we let ourselves down a little bit. We've got to look at our remaining games and try and get as many points as we can.
Hearts are seeking to end a run of one win in six games to enhance their third-placed position in the SPL.
And Hogg is looking forward to renewing acquaintance with his former rivals.
The ex-Hibs captain said: "I can't wait to play against them, I've always enjoyed playing against them.
"Hearts have been great this year. They've been great for the league, picking up points and rarely losing games. We're more than capable of beating them here and it's vital we do take some points out of the game to keep our aspirations going in finishing seventh."
Source: PA
