Caley Thistle manager John Robertson has challenged his class of 2018 to add to the club’s proud cup tradition after McDiarmid Park was confirmed as the venue for next month’s IRN-BRU Cup final against Dumbarton.
Inverness will face the Sons at Perth on Saturday, March 24, with a 4.15pm kick-off, in what will be Caley Jags’ fourth appearance in the final of the competition.
It means the Highlanders will return to the scene of their solitary triumph in the tournament, with Robertson leading them to a 2-0 victory against Airdrie in his first spell as manager 15 years ago.
Robertson has urged his players to take inspiration from a number of memorable cup results throughout the club’s 24-year history.
He said: “Since the Challenge Cup was brought in, the club first reached the final under Steve Paterson in 1999 and lost in an epic match to Alloa.
“We got there in 2003 and won it against Airdrie, while under Terry Butcher they got to the final again and lost 3-2 to Dundee in another classic game.
“In the past, the club in general has a good pedigree. Going back to the fabric and history of Caledonian and Thistle – the two clubs were always capable of causing upsets in the cup when they were around.
“Since the amalgamation in 1994 that has continued and there have always been victories as they have come through the divisions, culminating in a wonderful night at Parkhead.
“There was another victory against Celtic here, and another one in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden three years ago, which led to John Hughes leading the club to arguably the greatest day in its history when they beat Falkirk.
“We have always done well in cups and we want to continue that.
“Chances to win silverware do not come around very often. When they do come around it’s important you grasp them and take the full opportunity to win them.”
Robertson is wary of the Sons ahead of next month’s encounter, despite Stephen Aitken’s men being second bottom of the Championship.
He added: “The aim since the start of the tournament was to get here. We are down to the last two teams now and only one can win it. We are one of them, but I’m sure Dumbarton will fancy their chances as well.”