Caley Thistle midfielder Liam Polworth feels the Highlanders are entering a crucial stage of the campaign in their efforts to climb the Championship table.
Inverness have dropped out of the play-off positions below Queen of the South on goal difference, with 11 points separating them from leaders Ayr United.
Polworth has been left frustrated by his side drawing 11 of their 16 league matches so far, which he feels has prevented John Robertson’s men from making a closer push to the summit.
With away matches against Morton and Ross County before Caley Jags reach the halfway stage of the campaign, Polworth feels the coming weeks will determine where Inverness are challenging come the end of the campaign.
The 24-year-old said: “We’ve been told these two months are massive for us. We need to get ourselves into a good position and make a push.
“By the end of next month we will know where we are and what we need to do.
“I think everyone is quite relaxed. We obviously know we have thrown away quite a few points and if we had turned a few more of them into wins we’d have been right up there.
“We’re reasonably happy with where we are, but we know it could be a lot better. It is just one of those things – these games are done now and we need to keep pushing on.
“We know we need to turn draws into wins, but it is about figuring out a way to do that.
“I think definitely at home teams are showing us a lot of respect. Teams are coming up and frustrate us and catch us on the break.
“Up here they’re sitting in a bit more and it is difficult to get through, but it is up to us to find a way.”
“We’ve obviously got to be scoring more goals. When we do score a few, we’re maybe losing too many but apart from that, we’ve been really tight at the back this season. We need to start creating more.”
Robertson has spoken of his wish to bring in reinforcements in the January transfer window given the lack of experience on the Inverness bench in recent weeks, however Polworth has urged the club’s youngsters to make the most of opportunities that come their way.
Roddy MacGregor and Cameron Harper have featured from the bench in recent weeks, and Polworth added: “We’re that low in numbers we’re probably going to have to start a few sooner or later, but it is a brilliant chance for them.
“That’s how I got my chance and how most young players get their break. It’s a great time for them, with us being in the Championship and a lot fewer players in our squad. It is a good chance for them to come through.”