Caley Thistle midfielder Aaron Doran says there are still plenty incentives for his side to play for despite wrapping up third place in the Scottish Premiership last week.
Inverness’ 1-0 win against Dundee last weekend secured European football for the first time in the Highlanders’ 21-year history, meaning they will finish third irrespective of the results of their final two league games.
However, with Caley Thistle set for their first Scottish Cup final against Falkirk at the end of the month, Doran says competition for places is as intense as ever.
The Irishman also knows win bonuses are at stake for the players if they can record victories in their remaining two games, starting with today’s visit of Dundee United to Caledonian Stadium.
Doran said: “It has been really good since we clinched Europe. We’ve had a few days off.
“It was good to get it done with two games to spare and there were good celebrations after the game.
“The pressure is off but we need to keep it going. It will be a good day for the supporters against Dundee United. They can relax and we can relax, but we still need to perform on the pitch.
“There is still bonus money for all the players to play for and there are still positions for the Scottish Cup final up for grabs.
“The final is obviously an occasion no one wants to miss. If players get their chance in these two remaining league games they have to go out there and try to impress.
“I hope to get my chance in the final but it is going to be really tough – there is a huge fight for places.”
Inverness won their last two matches to end a nine-game run without a league victory, which threatened to derail their charge towards European football.
Doran says he always believed Caley Jags would cross the finish line and is pleased he can finally focus on the build-up to the cup final.
The 24-year-old added: “We were still playing some good football but not getting the wins. But we were always quite confident. We did really well in the first part of the season, so we were still quite high in the league.
“All we needed to do was pick up a few more points which we’ve done in the last two games with two wins we needed.
“It has been a brilliant season and everyone is just looking forward to the final now.
“It’s huge for the club and, hopefully, we will get out there and do the business.
“Everyone around the city is looking forward to it – there’s a real hype around the place – so it should be good for everyone involved.”