Caley Thistle left back Graeme Shinnie is relishing the licence to attack he has been given by manager John Hughes – after being told off for it by predecessor Terry Butcher.
Shinnie has been one of Inverness’ stand-out performers in the Premiership campaign, with the Caley Jags third in the table.
The Aberdonian has always wanted to attack and the arrival of Hughes has given extra opportunity.
Shinnie said: “The manager wants the full backs to get forward as often as possible and that suits me.
“It’s what I did anyway – no matter what Terry Butcher used to say.
“He used to give me trouble for it sometimes. Sometimes he used to tell me to stay calm and go when the time was right.
“But it’s the way I like to play football, getting forward as much as I can, and I don’t think I could ever stop doing it. It’s just in my make-up to go and do it.
“I hope Terry would say he didn’t mind me doing it, but the manager wants me to play that way so it’s perfect for me.”
Shinnie is deputising as Inverness captain in the absence of Richie Foran through a knee injury.
However, the defender feels experiencing the styles of different managers has already been a huge learning curve for him.
Shinnie added: “All the players are right behind what we’re trying to do in passing the ball. That’s shone through this season.
“I learn a lot from how different managers want me to play.
“We experienced how Terry wanted us to play, and now the new manager has come in with his ideas.
“I’m still young and learning the game and this is something totally new and fresh – and it’s working.
“Everyone is totally behind it. A lot of teams are looking to do it and it’s great for Scottish football.
“The squad this season have been terrific in terms of how the whole team wants to play. Some of the football has been good to watch.
“A lot of the supporters I’ve spoken to say they’ve enjoyed watching good football, but the manager also knows there are going to be mistakes. It is just how we deal with them.
“We always have to show grit and determination underpinning the good play. We say that to each other all the time.”