Ross County V Inverness CT at Victoria Park : Match Preview

02 October 2015 15:31
Ross County V Inverness CT - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Jackson Irvine believes it is time for County to take control of the Highlands

Ross County midfielder Jackson Irvine believes the Staggies are finally ready to step out of Inverness' shadows.

The Dingwall side have struggled to match the achievements of their Highland neighbours since joining Caley Thistle in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

While Saturday's visitors to Dingwall have been perennial top-six candidates and claimed their first ever major trophy with last year's William Hill Scottish Cup triumph, County have faced a series of battles just to keep themselves in the top flight.

But this season the roles have been reversed, with Jim McIntyre's side now up to fourth - five points ahead of eighth-placed Inverness.

And Irvine believes victory in this weekend's Highland Derby at County's Global Energy Stadium will reaffirm their desire to remain top dogs in the north.

The Australia international said: "Derbies always provide that little extra edge and all the players are looking forward to it.

"If we could win it would make a big statement. After Inverness' success over the last couple of seasons they have had a really good time.

"This club has been tailing at the bottom end of the league so if we could pick up three points on Saturday - even if it is still early on in the season - it would send out a message that we are here to stay."

You have to go back to January 2014 to find County's last win over their local rivals.

Irvine, who joined last year on loan from Celtic before making the deal permanent in the summer, is still waiting for his first success but hopes luck does not desert him again this weekend.

"I haven't tasted a derby win yet," he said. "So far I've managed two draws and a defeat. I did score my first goal for County against Inverness though and I'll be looking to bag another because I feel like I haven't scored for a while.

"My family were over for that match but unfortunately we didn't get the result we were all hoping for. I hope that's not an omen because my mum is here again on Saturday.

"I'm just glad I'm not a superstitious man."

Inverness defender Josh Meekings admits the balance of power in the Highlands may have swung across the Kessock Bridge.

He said: "A derby is a derby and anything can happen. It will be a fiery game as it always is and it will be interesting to see how we are against each other. They will probably say they are favourites because of where they are in the league but that suits us. We like having that underdog mentality.

"We've managed to claw our way back from where we were at the start of the season and got a few wins going. Hopefully we can continue that this weekend.

"County have done absolutely brilliant but hopefully we can go over there and come out on top.

"We know if we can produce the performance we're capable of we've got a good chance."

John Hughes' plans have been hit by the red card collected by influential playmaker Ryan Christie in last week's 2-1 success over league leaders Aberdeen.

But Meekings hopes some of his Caley Thistle colleagues will take up the mantle left by last year's Young Player of the Year.

He said: "You just had to look at Ryan's performance in the first half last week. He ran the game for us.

"It was a great game for him before the sending off so he will be missed. But I'm hoping with the players we have got we will have enough to go over there and get the three points."


Source: PAR