Caley Thistle manager John Hughes has his sights on a Scottish Cup run after his side outclassed St Mirren in last night’s fourth round replay.
Inverness breezed into the next stage with a superb 4-0 win against a very poor St Mirren side and will now face Partick Thistle in February.
Hughes’ side, who reached the League Cup final last season, raced into an early lead against the dismal Buddies in a first half dominated by the hosts.
Gary Warren headed his second goal of the season after 20 minutes before Greg Tansey scored a penalty three minutes later after Jim Goodwin had fouled Marley Watkins.
Danny Williams netted after 67 minutes to put the result beyond doubt before Graeme Shinnie completed the scoring in injury time as the hosts eased into the next round.
The problems continue to mount for beleaguered Buddies manager Tommy Craig, while Inverness can look forward to a trip to Firhill in the fifth round of the competition.
Hughes said: “Partick are a side that’s impressed me. They beat us down there last time. We wanted a home draw but if we have got aspirations to win this competition we are going to have to do it the hard way.
“I am absolutely delighted as it was a very good performance from every one of my players.
“To score four goals is always pleasing and I was absolutely delighted with the performance from my players.”
Hughes was also full of praise for Marley Watkins who was outstanding for Caley Thistle and a constant nuisance for the St Mirren defence.
Watkins had missed Saturday’s match in Paisley, which finished 1-1 because of suspension but he was instrumental in guiding his team to a comprehensive victory.
Hughes said: “Marley is one of the best I have ever worked with. He is so innocent it is unbelievable. I have to keep at him because he has more to give. We knew his pace is electric. He is a freak of nature – he’s a monster.”