The Staggies supporters can play a crucial role tonight in Ross County’s bid to win the first Highland derby of the season, according to the Dingwall club’s midfielder Rocco Quinn.
A packed Victoria Park will set the stage for a game the County players have been eagerly anticipating since the start of the campaign.
There will be needle, noise and no margin for error – with former Celtic man Quinn ready to play a leading role (kick-off 7.45pm).
The 27-year-old said: “It is the first one you look for when the fixture list comes out and I am glad it is here.
“All six derby games were really good last year.
“It was the first time in a while there had been a derby up here, so there was a lot of attention on the matches.
“They didn’t disappoint, they were good games to play in as well.
“If there is not an edge to a derby game there is no point in calling it a derby, is there?
“It has everything rolled into one – local bragging rights, us against them.
“People might say we cost them their place in European competition this season and all that carry on after we won the last game of last season.
“But we want to win the game, plain and simple, regardless if it is Inverness.
“For our supporters, it is a massive game, I can’t speak for the Caley Thistle supporters.
“You have seen how good our supporters have been this season and they will pack the place out.
“There won’t be a spare seat in the County end and that is what you want when you walk out for a derby, to see the County blue-and-white to your right. Knowing all the supporters are behind us really does help, particularly in the derbies.”
While Inverness have gained plenty of plaudits for surging up to second place in the Scottish Premiership title race, Quinn believes County can climb the table, starting tonight.
He added: “I expected Inverness to do well this season.
“They showed last year what a good side they really are.
“If you look at results this season they have probably defied the odds a bit.
“Everyone was looking for them to perhaps struggle this season.
“Look at the way they have been playing, they are a very good side both home and away.
“Whatever they are doing over there, it seems to be working just now, but hopefully, it doesn’t work when we play them.”
The Staggies midfielder added: “It was pretty much the same last season. We have just gone under the radar again – just the way we like it.
“We definitely have players who can hurt them, there is no doubt about that.
“Our best has still to come. We have been really good at home, but have struggled away from home with some bad results.
“I don’t think we have played particularly badly. Some daft mistakes as a team have cost us, plus some silly goals.
“There is no room for error. Games against Caley Thistle are usually pretty tight affairs and one mistake can cost the game.
“We have done really well at home, but just need to start trying to pick up points here and there away from home and we should be all right.
“If we can be strong at home, not just in the derby but all games, we can give ourselves a right good chance this season.”