Scott Kellacher reckons John Robertson’s induction into Scottish football’s Hall of Fame is a reminder of just what a huge asset he is to the Highland club.
The Hearts goalscoring legend took his place among the all-time greats of the Scottish game at a ceremony on Sunday night.
His all-time record 214 goals for the Tynecastle club saw him elevated along with new inductees, including Dundee United great Paul Sturrock and Aberdeen hero Joe Harper.
Kellacher, the Caley Thistle assistant manager, took training with first team coach Barry Wilson yesterday as Robertson journeyed back north, where he has long made his home.
Robertson’s residence in Inverness, though, is never something Kellacher takes for granted – even if he has to educate some younger players on Robertson’s pedigree.
Kellacher said: “Obviously, the gaffer was down for the Hall of Fame award which is an incredible achievement. Myself and Barry took the boys and we didn’t change the routine. We just prepared as normal.
“We always make a point of highlighting what he’s done in the game, especially when we’re working with the strikers.
“Some of the younger boys maybe don’t always realise just what heights he achieved in the game, but the majority know – and John is a massive pull for players coming to Inverness.
“We’re all delighted for him here at the club. It looks good for ourselves as well that he’s in the Hall of Fame and manager of our football club.”
There has been nothing legendary about Caley Thistle’s defending of late, with Kellacher urging the players to stick together and work together to eradicate mistakes.
His message was to forget Saturday’s looming top of the table confrontation with Dundee United and focus on earning three points in Dumfries after setbacks against Alloa and Morton.
Kellacher stressed: “We’re obviously very frustrated from Saturday. It’s a game we feel we should have won. We need to remind ourselves that we’re all in it together, attack together and defend together, and have each other’s backs.
“We feel we should have won the game on Saturday but when you don’t take your chances you’re always leaving yourself open.
“Dundee United are favourites for the league, so we’re just trying to keep our heads down and take each game as it comes. We know each game is massive. We’ve got Queen of the South tonight and that’s all we’re focusing on at the minute.
“Dundee United will take care of itself when it comes around. Queen of the South drew with Alloa at the weekend and we know we’re going to be in for another hard game. But we need to go and work hard and hopefully take our chances and try and keep a clean sheet.
“It’s ridiculous we have to go there on a Tuesday after travelling to Morton on Saturday, travelling that sort of distance in a few days. But we know we’re always up against it here with that sort of thing, so it’s all the more important that we stick together. Hopefully we can get the three points and come back up the road happy.”
Caley Thistle have no fresh injuries, with their entire squad available barring midfielder Sean Welsh.