Reguero relishing Highland derby
Ross County goalkeeper Antonio Reguero vowed to relish the unpredictability of the Highland derby as he renews his acquaintance with the fixture.
Reguero made five appearances for Inverness against County two seasons ago before returning to the Highlands following a spell at Kilmarnock.
And he looks set to line up against his former club for the first time after winning the goalkeeper's gloves from Mark Brown in recent weeks.
The Spaniard said: "Every derby in every part of the world is different and is a great atmosphere. It's extra special for me because I used to play for Inverness and they treated me very well, as Ross County do.
"I played against Ross County about five times in one year and they were special games. I enjoyed them and I am going to enjoy this one because we need the points.
"In any derby game, anything can happen. Even if you are 2-0 up you cannot relax."
Reguero is set to keep his place after helping County hold Celtic to a goalless draw at Parkhead on Saturday.
"It was a big plus for me and the team keeping a clean sheet against the best team in Scotland," he said.
"They play Champions League and are the best team in the league. We have to think that if we can get a result there then we can beat anyone in the league."
Ross County forward Liam Boyce returns for the Highland derby.
Boyce has been sidelined by suspension and then a knock in recent weeks.
Tony Dingwall (hand), Ben Frempah (ankle), Rocco Quinn (hip) and Darren Barr (knee) remain on the sidelines.
Inverness midfielder Ross Draper will complete his two-match ban when Caley Thistle visit Dingwall.
Draper was sent off in the Scottish Premiership defeat to St Johnstone a fortnight ago and has already sat out Aberdeen's 1-0 win at the Caledonian Stadium.
Inverness otherwise expect to have a full squad apart from captain Richie Foran, who is continuing his rehabilitation from the knee injury that has kept him out since last season.
John Hughes claims his high-flying Inverness side have developed a fear of heights.
Caley Thistle topped the Scottish Premiership at the end of August but three straight defeats mean Hughes' side will start the new year in fifth.
And the Highlanders boss admits his side have struggled to cope with the pressure of life at the top end of the division.
Speaking ahead of the derby clash with Ross County, Hughes said: "I just feel that over the last few games we have started to play with our hearts instead of our heads.
"You need to be cool, calm and collected. There is plenty of effort and commitment but we are trying too hard.
"When you are on the ball you need to be composed and play with your head.
"We are a provincial club, or a so-called provincial club. Maybe the lofty heights have scared one or two players.
"It's very, very difficult. We were getting all this praise but then a little bit of tension and trepidation crept into our game.
"But I just keep saying to these boys to keep concentrating on the process, which is to get the ball down and pass it.
"You can't play football at 100mph. You have to keep calm. That's when we are at our best."
Source: PA
