Warren plays down derby day
Gary Warren insists Inverness are treating Sunday's home derby against Ross County just like any other game.
It is the first time the two Highland rivals have faced each other in the Scottish Premiership this season with the game live on television.
However, the 30-year-old Caley defender claims preparations for the match against the Dingwall side, who are bottom of the table, have been the same as usual.
"No game is any different for us," he said.
"We are going to go in to the game feeling exactly the same as we do any other game.
"We have prepared exactly the same way, in a way in training where the tempo has got to be good, just like any other game.
"We need to make sure we are at it on the day.
"It is a game we are all looking forward to, the players and the fans."
The former Newport player does, however, admit the possibility of calm and composed football is less likely in the frantic environs of a derby.
"It is all about holding your nerve in a derby," he said.
"Form goes out the window and both teams will be coming out firing on all cylinders.
"When you have someone to put their foot on the ball and be a little more relaxed about the game and occasion (it helps).
"But sometimes it is difficult, the fans will be at each other and it is more noisier than a usual weekend but that is something the players have dealt with and come to terms with over the last few years.
"We have played a good passing game over the last few weeks and we will continue that for the rest of the season but it is something that we will have to do well on Sunday to come away with the result.
"It is about doing over a 90-minute period."
Caley manager John Hughes has only long-term injured skipper Richie Foran missing which has left him with a selection dilemma.
He said: "We have been training really well. We have worked very hard and everyone knows what they are doing.
"My only problem is my team selection. I have a real headache.
"I just need to pick the right team and hopefully that will get us success."
Ross County manager Jim McIntyre insists he is not writing off the threat posed by Billy McKay - despite the Inverness striker's nine-match scoring drought.
The Northern Irishman has not found the net for club nor country since Caley Thistle's opening day win at Hamilton.
But with Sunday's Highland derby looming, Staggies boss McIntyre is worried McKay is set to end his barren streak.
He said: "It's always dangerous when you talk about a dry spell when you've got a striker with a fantastic scoring record.
"Billy is always a major threat. He might not have hit the net many times lately but he is doing a fantastic job for the team.
"Sometimes people outwith the club can fail to see that but we recognise what a fantastic player he is and that he is a danger.
"But it's unfair to talk about only Billy McKay. Inverness have got great threat out on the wings as well as Greg Tansey who is capable of scoring from distance. Ross Draper is always getting himself into the box too.
"They have players all over the park who are dangerous too, so we must make sure we are 100 per cent all over the park and do not hand them any gifts."
McIntyre finally guided his new side to their first win of the season four games after replacing Derek Adams with last weekend's 2-1 win over Dundee.
But the Staggies remain rooted at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.
But McIntyre knows a win at the Caledonian Stadium could provide the spark their season needs.
"It's such an important game," said the former Dunfermline and Queen of the South boss. "Everyone around the club has made me aware of that.
"Derbies are the first fixtures that supporters and players alike look for.
"Yogi has got Inverness playing some good stuff but we have got good players also and it is up to us to take the confidence from last Saturday and try to win the game."
Source: PA
