Caley Thistle manager John Hughes does not expect any lingering woes from Saturday’s 4-0 Premiership defeat by Partick Thistle when his players face St Johnstone tomorrow.
Inverness’ unbeaten home record this season was brought to an end by a ruthless Jags side last weekend, on a rare off-day for Hughes’ men.
However, Hughes has been impressed with the response from his players since the defeat and has no doubts they are ready to bounce back in tomorrow’s trip to Perth.
Hughes said: “The most important thing we were conscious of was coming in on Monday and getting straight back on the bike. Plenty of smiles, plenty of laughter, plenty enjoyment – and that was the case in training.
“The training was designed for that, although it was competitive. It was all set up for match-day scenarios, specifically to see who could do what and who was giving us the real vibe for this Saturday.
“Every one of them, once again, was at it. You don’t have to tell these boys much. Even after the Partick defeat, I didn’t say too much to them. Let’s forget it and move on.”
Hughes insists the fact Inverness are still second in the Premiership has helped him remain positive following last week’s defeat.
The Inverness manager is delighted with the consistency his players has shown throughout the season, and urged them to rediscover their capabilities following the loss to Thistle.
Hughes added: “After Saturday, there has to be a realism. But we woke up on Sunday and we’re still second in the league, so we have to be doing something right.
“The expectations are a dangerous thing but if you had said to me at the start of the season come Christmas time we’d be second in the league, I’d have bitten off your hand.
“Let’s not react too hastily. It’s still positive. Let’s put it down to a blip.
“We might go to St Johnstone and get beaten or we might go there, play well and win it. But no matter what happens, there’s a way to get beaten and a way to win. We have to make sure we’re at it and play to the standards we’ve set at this club.”