Caley Thistle manager John Hughes says Celtic having to play Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership this evening hands his side a massive advantage in the countdown to Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against the Hoops.
Celtic take on the Ayrshire side at Parkhead looking to regain an eight-point lead over Aberdeen at the top of the league.
Inverness were forced to play a league fixture against Hibernian just four days before last season’s League Cup final, which Caley Jags lost 4-2 on penalties.
Hughes thinks tonight’s match is an unwelcome distraction for the Hoops and he is out to take full advantage by springing a Scottish Cup shock.
Hughes said: “I’m a bit surprised Celtic are playing a league game on Wednesday because that’s a massive advantage to us.
“It happened to us before the League Cup final last year, when we had to play Hibs, and it made it very difficult to prepare for the final.
“I think they have been forced to play it but it’s still a massive advantage for us. They have a game to get through and then they have to recover. But all that time, we have been focused on Sunday’s game and nothing else.
“We have given them a bit of time to rest up and we’ve prepared.
“It’s a huge advantage for us and we’ll be using it.
“We’re looking forward to it.
“I will travel to watch their game and I won’t be wanting anything to happen to their players.
“I hope everyone gets through it and they have their best team out there.
“We want our best team against their best team.
“It’s a formidable task but can we beat them? Yes, we can.
“I don’t know why but there’s something in the water, I might be wrong and it’s dangerous to dream. But something just tells me there might be a shock on Sunday.”
Caley Thistle supporters have until Saturday afternoon to purchase tickets for the semi-final with Celtic.
The club’s ticket office will be open from 9.30am until 2.30pm on Saturday for any late purchases.
Online tickets orders must be made before midnight today and telephone orders must be made before 2pm tomorrow.
Tickets can be bought from the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium ticket office, online at www.eticketing.co.uk/ictfc/ or by phone on 0844 847 1888.