Ross County manager Jim McIntyre says his side must not let emotions dictate today’s Highland derby encounter with Caley Thistle in the Staggies’ quest for north bragging rights.
County have failed to win any of the last five meetings between the two rivals, their last win coming at Caledonian Stadium on New Year’s Day in 2014, while Inverness have also triumphed on their last three visits to Dingwall.
County are eager to turn the tide and, after a fine start to the campaign which sees them sit five points ahead of Caley Jags in fifth, they are favourites to triumph.
McIntyre has urged his side to approach the game like any other.
He said: “Apart from the game at Dingwall, where Inverness bossed it and deserved to win, we had very good opportunities in the other games.
“So, I expect another tight game and I expect a bit of blood and thunder, being a derby. But it is important we play the game and not the occasion and we try to do what we’re good at – moving the ball and getting into good areas.
“The one thing we’ve shown this season is we’ve certainly got goals in our side and it’s important we make sure we put Inverness’ backline under pressure.”
Both sides are missing key players for the Highland showdown, with Caley Thistle midfielder Ryan Christie and County captain Andrew Davies both suspended after being red-carded last weekend.
McIntyre is relieved his side will not come up against in-form Christie, adding: “He’s done exceptionally well. He’s a very talented player.
“We’ve obviously seen him get his big move to Celtic and last weekend he scored a fantastic goal against Aberdeen and was at the heart of laying on the other goal.
“So, from that point of view, he will be a miss to Inverness but we’re also missing our captain, so it balances itself out.”