Caley Thistle midfielder Ryan Christie says he and his team mates are looking up the Scottish Premiership table rather than worrying about what lies behind them.
Third-placed Inverness established a six-point lead over Dundee United with their 2-1 win against St Mirren last weekend and are just three points behind Aberdeen in second.
Kilmarnock are the visitors to Caledonian Stadium today, with a trip to face United on Tuesday, and Christie is focused on trying to draw level with the Dons with two positive results.
Christie said: “The way the results went last weekend, with Dundee United slipping up, made it all the better.
“Now is our chance to pull away from anyone below us and maybe try to catch Aberdeen or cement that third position.
“Catching Aberdeen is our plan. The manager has always told us to look above us and try to leapfrog the next team up, rather than worrying about those trying to catch up. That’s the mentality the boys have in the changing room.
“The fact we’ve pulled away from Dundee United is a credit to us. It shows how far we’ve come and how well we’re doing this season.
“It’s important now we keep it going, especially with the Dundee United game rearranged for Tuesday. If we get a good win on Saturday that will give us an extra boost.”
Christie has shown great promise in his first full season in Caley Jags’ first-team, making 27 appearances and scoring four goals.
The 19-year-old has been linked with several English sides, including Premier League outfit Burnley, but Christie insists he is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.
Christie reckons the advice of his father, Charlie, who played for the club for 10 years after leaving Celtic, will prove invaluable.
Christie added: “Just now, it’s easy to put it to the back of my mind. I’ve got it in my head I won’t think about anything until I have it right in front of me and have a decision to make.
“The players I have around me, the manager, assistant Russell Latapy and the coach Scott Kellacher, are very down-to-earth and keep me grounded. It’s important we all stay like that, not just me.
“I’m completely concentrated on Inverness and just put any rumours I’m hearing to the back of my head.
“I’ve also got my dad’s experience to draw on. He’s been there himself when he was a player and knows what can go wrong and what can go right in football.
“He’s had his career and that can only be an advantage to me as he will offer me advice on whether he thinks I’m going to move too early and whether I should move.”