Brad Mckay believes Caley Thistle had no right to be considered play-off contenders after Dunfermline’s late equaliser left their hopes of making the end-of-season promotion party dangling by a thread.
Nicky Clark netted in stoppage-time to snatch a 2-2 draw for the Pars, meaning their destiny is in their own hands and the Caley Jags could be left on the outside looking in.
Inverness need to win both of their games against Livingston and Morton and hope Dumbarton beat Dunfermline next weekend at East End Park.
Mckay said: “I don’t think we had any right to be challenging or to be spoken about in the play-offs after the start we had.
“It was going to take time for 13 new signings to gel and it was a bit longer than we would have liked.
“We shouldn’t be anywhere near the play-offs and we’ve given ourselves a fighting chance. There’s still a slim one. If you get beat 2-0 it doesn’t feel as bad. We’ve not even lost the game and it feels like we have. To near enough crush our hopes in that manner is a bit sickening. We’d been challenged to go unbeaten for the rest of the season about nine or 10 games ago.
“I don’t think we could have given much more. Maybe just a bit of inexperience at times, where the game could have been managed a bit better.
“First and foremost we have Tuesday to take care of.
“We can put as much pressure on them as possible with a win but we can’t do anything about Saturday.
“It’s in their hands to seal the play-off spot. Dumbarton would need to beat them – I think they’re out on their feet now and preparing for the play-offs.
“But football is a funny old game.”