Inverness Caledonian Thistle vs Celtic

Butcher calls for Caley to give their all

Inverness manager Terry Butcher has urged his players to put their bodies on the line against Celtic this weekend in a bid to secure a top-six place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The Highlanders sit in seventh spot - a point behind closest rivals Motherwell - as they aim for the top half of the table before the split.

They have just three games to seal that place, starting with the Hoops on Saturday before facing Kilmarnock and Hearts.

Butcher said: "I have said to the players there is no reason now why we should conserve any energy or think about other things.

"We've got three games to focus on and this one on Saturday is the first of the three.

"It's a case of giving everything. I've said it's all or nothing and I think that's true.

"Everybody has to be prepared to give everything and throw their bodies on the line and make sure that we do everything possible to get over that line - and that line is the top six."

Inverness have an unchanged squad for the clash and go into the game having run the Old Firm close this season, most recently losing narrowly to Celtic in the Scottish Cup.

Butcher added: "The games have been very close and we want them to be close, if not tighter.

"We want to go that extra little step and get over the line and get three points. That's our ambition because we have come very close.

"The last game when Rangers were up here, we had a great lead and and couldn't quite hold onto it.

"In the cup quarter-final, we were 1-0 up and couldn't capitalise on it.

"We're getting halfway there but we've not gone the full distance and that's something we want to do."

With the TV cameras covering this weekend's action, the Inverness boss challenged his players to make a name for themselves against the Hoops.

Butcher said: "It's on ESPN so people will be able to watch all around the world so there is a big responsibility on every player.

"It's a great game for a lot of the players to put their faces forward and their names on the map when it comes to football throughout the world more than just the UK.

"It's a great opportunity for everyone. In Celtic and Rangers matches, players can make a reputation and attract interest and get new contracts and moves or whatever.

"These are the games that people get excited about and we are very much excited by this game. There will be no motivation or really any team-talk needed against Celtic."

Celtic assistant manager Johan Mjallby is ignoring the impending takeover of Old Firm rivals Rangers to concentrate on bringing the Scottish Premier League title back to Parkhead.

Scottish tycoon Craig Whyte is on the brink of assuming control of the Govan club which would bring some stability and much-needed cash to the Scottish champions.

However, Mjallby, preparing for Saturday's lunchtime kick-off at Inverness where Celtic will look to extend their two-point lead over Rangers, who have played a game less, insists he has not been looking at events at the other side of the city.

"I haven't because it is not in our hands," the former Celtic defender said.

"Whatever happens over there, it is down to us to produce and try to win the games.

"If we keep winning games then we know that we have a good chance to win the league.

"They are still the title holders and we are chasing them.

"But we are top of the league and that is our priority right now."

Mjallby revealed Freddie Ljungberg is in the squad for the trip to the Highlands but admits the former Arsenal star has still to show that he is worth another deal.

Ljungberg, who turns 34 this month, has not started a single SPL match since he arrived on a free transfer in December from Chicago Fire due mostly to injury and illness.

Mjallby said: "Freddie did well in the (friendly) game in Bilbao at the weekend and has been training for the last two weeks.

"He needs to break into the team and get a few games and then take it from there.

"After the season you sit down and see how many games a player has played and how well he has done and obviously you need to look at the age as well.

"But it's something that the board and Freddie have to deal with.

"I think he is going to be important for us in the run-in with his experience and knowledge."

Shaun Maloney (ankle) is back in full training after being sidelined since November but is unlikely to feature.