Inverness CT V Aberdeen at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium : Match Preview

18 November 2016 23:58
Inverness CT V Aberdeen - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Brad McKay: Aberdeen will not relish facing in-form Inverness

Inverness defender Brad McKay believes their recent form will ensure there is a touch of fear among visitors Aberdeen on Saturday.

Caley Thistle lost 3-0 at Celtic Park before the international break but that was their first defeat in nine Ladbrokes Premiership matches.

That sequence started with McKay's debut in a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie and the former Hearts and St Johnstone player is confident they can give the Dons another tough afternoon.

"That was the start of a good run," the 23-year-old said. "It was a good point away from home considering the players they have.

"We'll look to take the game to them and we've proved we can go toe-to-toe with the big boys. We're the only team to take points off Celtic, we ran Rangers close and we should have beaten Hearts. We'll go out on Saturday and give them a game.

"When I first arrived, the first two games were Aberdeen and Celtic. I know what they're like and what to expect. We've both got genuine quality in the team and I think they'll be fearing us as well."

McKay, who has been deployed as a roving right-back by Caley Thistle, has shaken off a hamstring injury to be available to face Aberdeen.

He said: "Playing three games in a week then a few days in hospital - I fractured my finger - meant I didn't get many recovery days. I was resting up last week and I'm back training this week.

"My finger was probably the worst thing I've ever looked at. I've just ran at the (Motherwell) goalkeeper and my finger is pointing the opposite way. It didn't hurt too much until I looked at it. I had to pull it back out and put it back in."

Aberdeen midfielder James Maddison has warned Inverness they will be mistaken if they assume Saturday is a good time to play the Dons.

The Betfred Cup finalists make the trip along the A96 eight days before they run out at Hampden against Celtic.

But Maddison's only thought is to get three points and maintain second spot.

The on-loan Norwich player said on the club's official website: "Everyone inside the dressing room is just speaking about the Inverness game.

"Inverness are probably feeling this is a good time to play us with the cup final in mind next week. I can assure you everyone is focusing on three points on Saturday and then we will move on to the cup final preparations and stuff next week."

With a fully-fit squad for Derek McInnes to choose from, and Jayden Stockley having taken advantage of a rare start with a classy winner against Partick Thistle last time out, Maddison knows competition for places is at its peak at Pittodrie.

"The players selected on Saturday know they have to perform on Saturday if they are to play in the final," the 19-year-old said. "That is the case every week. Everyone needs to put in 100 per cent to keep their place in the team.

"We all know we have a jersey to fight for."


Source: PAR