Caley Thistle moved up to second place in the Scottish Premiership with a comfortable win at struggling St Mirren.
The Highlanders recorded their fourth away win in a row in impressive fashion as they cruised to victory in Paisley.
It was business as usual for Scottish Premiership manager of the month for January, John Hughes, as he took his side to St Mirren.
With Inverness searching for their fourth away win in the league in a row, Hughes made one enforced change to the side which won 2-1 at Partick Thistle in the Scottish Cup with Ryan Christie restored to the starting line-up in place of the injured James Vincent, who suffered an injury at training yesterday.
For Saints manager Gary Teale, the visit of Caley Thistle represented the start of life after Kenny McLean following the midfielder’s £300,000 move to Aberdeen on transfer deadline day.
In place of the departed McLean, Sean Kelly and former Ross County attacker Yoann Arquin were the two changes made to the side which beat Partick Thistle in the league on January 30 with Jeroen Tesselaar dropping to the bench from the starting 11 which won 1-0 at Firhill.
Saints went into this game still searching for their first home win of the campaign but their hopes of ending that run were dented with just three minutes on the clock as Graeme Shinnie played a one-two with Ryan Christie before crossing to Greg Tansey who fired past Saints goalkeeper Mark Ridgers.
Caley Jags created several chances to extend their lead but Marley Watkins and Gary Warren both went close, Watkins with a lob and Warren with a header which rebounded off the crossbar.
But the visitors were not to be denied and their pressure finally paid off 15 minutes into the second half when David Raven crossed for Christie, who took a touch before firing past Ridgers in the Saints goal.
The home side ensured a tense finish was in store when Jim Goodwin headed home Stephen Mallan’s corner with 21 minutes remaining but Inverness stood firm to claim victory.
