Scottish Cup winner David Raven is urging Caley Thistle to be inspired by the club’s Hampden heroes as they aim to avoid an upset against Stirling Albion this weekend.
Former defender Raven is now assistant manager at Warrington Town, who are in the promotion chase from England’s Northern Premier League (NPL).
In 2015, he sensationally scored the winner against Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final, on the way to Inverness’ 2-1 final victory against Falkirk.
The 37-year-old fans’ favourite says Billy Dodds’ Championship team need to play at their peak to avoid slipping up against a Stirling side going very well and sitting second in League Two.
Raven played against the Binos last time the sides met in this competition in January 2016 when, after a goalless fourth-round draw at Forthbank, holders ICT eased to a 2-0 win in the Highlands.
Raven said: “The Scottish Cup will always be special to Inverness after winning it in 2015.
“The chances of that happening again any time soon are slim, but it was an amazing achievement seven years ago.
“The current side shouldn’t live in that shadow – they should use it as an motivation and inspiration. They can use it as a positive.
“They have to believe they can do it. St Johnstone won it last year and it really is a special cup to play in.
“You get big games, big crowds and games on the telly later in the competition. It’s brilliant.”
Great chance for ICT to progress
Raven recalls the two ties against Stirling in a year where the holders’ run was ended by a quarter-final replay defeat against Hibs.
With ICT going six successive games without a victory and finding themselves six points behind leaders Ayr United in the Championship right now, the former full-back knows their opponents might sense a chance.
He said: “I remember when we played Stirling Albion in that first game. As holders, we were a massive scalp.
“It was an awful game on their pitch especially – they made it really hard for us and it was a typical tough Scottish Cup tie.
“I am sure this current Stirling side will be looking to try and make it as hard as possible for Inverness on Saturday. Lower league teams will set out to make it as difficult as they can for Inverness to play football.
“They will also be aware of the current form and injuries and think Inverness are beatable due to a lack of confidence in the camp.
“On the flip side, what a chance this is for the Inverness boys to get a result which will raise the confidence.
“It will be an interesting game.”
🏆 We're in Scottish Cup action this weekend as we face Stirling Albion
🎟️ Tickets available now from https://t.co/6z5nBM5y24, the Club Shop and on 01463 222880
ℹ️ Supporters should note that ONLY the Main Stand will be in use for home fans
👉 https://t.co/0NDBjuvPP2 pic.twitter.com/eMZkRLvTCq
— Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC (@ICTFC) November 21, 2022
Quality should tell in the end
Raven, whose terrific career kicked off as a Liverpool youth player, believes if the Caley Jags treat this tie as they would a league game they should get the better of their League Two visitors.
He added: “If you have the hunger and desire, you know your quality is better than a lower league opponent, with all due respect.
“You’re in a higher league and you’ve got better players. You need to match and beat their hunger and desire to start with.
“Football is also a little down to luck, but if you perform to the best of your ability then chances are you will usually win the game.
“The quality will tell. It might be in the 86th or 87th minute, but generally the quality will tell.
“For me, these things are about mindsets and getting yourselves mentally ready for it. I fully expect Inverness to win.”
Lengthy injury list is ‘major’ – Raven
ICT, who have nine senior players out with injury, fought back late on to secure a 2-2 draw at home to Ayr United on Saturday.
Dodds later revealed returning defender Danny Devine and skipper Sean Welsh were not fit and ready, but had to be played due to limited options.
Raven, who joined Inverness in 2012 from Tranmere Rovers, explained it’s a case of all hands to the pump for the cause right now.
He said: “Fans sometimes don’t see what players put themselves through. Players taking painkillers and playing when not fully fit is almost standard procedure.
“But to do that for the team does go a long way with the lads. If you have that sort of mentality, things turn for you.
“Things are not going particularly badly, it’s just a phase they need to get through.
“To have eight or nine players out is major. Even having two or three missing is something to deal with, so to get a draw from the weekend keeps them in there and they can take confidence from it.
“The run-in is important and making sure you can get players back for that.”
Stirling Albion, who beat ICT on penalties in the group stages of the Betfred Cup last year, head north on the back of a 3-1 home league win against East Fife.
Conversation