Caley Thistle’s European debut against Romanian outfit FC Astra tomorrow night is heading for a sellout, with more than 6,000 tickets already sold.
The Highlanders take on the side which finished fourth in Romanian Liga 1 last season at Caledonian Stadium in the first leg of their Europa League second-round tie.
Manager John Hughes has urged swithering supporters to snap up any remaining tickets as he looks for a repeat of the atmosphere generated when Inverness lifted the Scottish Cup with a 2-1 victory over Falkirk at Hampden Park in May.
Hughes is determined to make Inverness’ European debut a night to remember.
He said: “We need a big crowd, it’s a massive boost for the players. It will show people what it’s all about, what it means to the Highlands. It’s very historic, one of these people will say ‘where were you the first time Inverness played in Europe?’. Then they can say they were there.
“Also, with the finances and children on holiday, it’s probably a one-off. We need a full house and the supporters, if the manner and vibe is like what was coming off the crowd in the Scottish Cup, will certainly help the boys a long way.”
Inverness were without five players for Saturday’s 1-1 friendly draw against Championship side St Mirren, with defenders Carl Tremarco, Josh Meekings and Lewis Horner, and midfielders Aaron Doran and Danny Williams missing out.
Hughes remains hopeful the majority of the squad will be fit, adding: “We’re picking up one or two niggles and knocks but we came in on Monday morning and three or four trained. Hopefully, they get through with no reaction and it’s all systems go.
“We’re starting to prepare for the game now, looking at Astra’s strengths and weaknesses. They’ll be a really good, strong, organised, technical counter-attacking team.
“I think we are good enough to beat them. We might surprise them a bit but to do that we have to be brave, get on the ball and make it happen.
“If we’re sloppy, most counterattacking teams will punish us. Hopefully, it’s one of these nights where everything goes for us.
“It will be a fantastic night and we’ll be jumping – one or two players might be making their debuts as well.”