Jay Henderson believes he can only benefit from being involved in Caley Thistle’s crunch end of season run-in.
Inverness are nine points adrift of the Championship promotion play-off places, but have the opportunity to cut that when they host fourth-placed Partick Thistle tonight.
While Billy Dodds’ men eagerly attempt to keep their league prospects alive, they also have a Scottish Cup semi-final against Falkirk to look forward to next month.
Winger Henderson, who is on loan from Premiership side St Mirren, feels playing in high stakes matches will be valuable experience.
He said: “We’ve still got a huge amount to play for.
“Every game we play in now is a big game and that’s good for me in my career.
“It gives me a bit of experience in those scenarios, especially with a huge Scottish Cup semi-final coming up at the end of next month.
“It is massive for this club and it will be good to be involved.
“It has been a good time for me and hopefully with how things go by the end of the season.
“Having the semi-final on the horizon will help us, I think.
“All the boys will want to be involved and all the boys will want to start.
“It is good for the manager and will give him a headache, with everyone playing for that spot.”
Time is of essence for Inverness
Despite being among the chasing pack for a play-off spot, Henderson says belief remains firm among the Inverness’ squad they can take their challenge all the way.
With eight games remaining, he insists Caley Jags must act sooner rather than later.
Henderson added: “We’re all going to keep mucking in for each other and that will ultimately stand us in good stead.
“I know results have been a bit up and down, but we’re looking to build a wee run and get into the play-off positions.
“We all believe in the changing room we can get there.
“It is just about putting that onto the pitch and getting three points.
“Winning on Friday would spark that, hopefully, and then we can go on a wee run and try to get as close to it as we can.
“I don’t think many teams enjoy coming to our ground, so we need to use that to our advantage.
“I’m sure Partick won’t relish coming to play us on Friday night, but we do need to start winning regularly.”
Winger making most of Caley Jags spell
Henderson has already made a strong impact since his switch to the Highlands, having netted three goals in 13 appearances so far.
The 21-year-old feels he has found his stride again, having found himself out of favour with the Buddies.
He added: “I have loved it. I have started to enjoy my football again, which is probably the most important thing and why I came here.
“The main thing was playing regularly again. I probably wasn’t getting as much football at St Mirren as I’d have liked.
“That was the end goal and I’ve come here and done that, so it has been good.”
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