Caley Thistle midfielder Ross Draper reckons the success of last season has made the Highlanders a prize Premiership scalp.
Inverness began the league campaign with a 1-0 defeat at home to Motherwell on Saturday, with goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams saving a penalty from Well’s Scott McDonald to prevent further damage.
Caley Jags enjoyed the most successful season in their 21-year history last year, winning the Scottish Cup for the first time and recording their highest league finish of third place.
Draper warned his side must ensure they do not become victims of their own success.
The 26-year-old said: “It’s hard. When teams win something or finish third clubs will try to shoot them down because they become a prize scalp.
“We don’t want to play catch-up. Last season was terrific, it was nine wins from our first 12. That gave us a platform for the season and that’s part of the plan again this time.
“We want to see how far we can go.”
Manager John Hughes has been forced to reshuffle his squad over the summer, following the loss of captain Graeme Shinnie, along with Marley Watkins, Nick Ross and Edward Ofere.
Hughes has brought in goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams, midfielders Nat Wedderburn and Jordan Roberts, along with forwards Dani Lopez and Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo.
Draper has been at Caley Jags since joining from Macclesfield Town in 2012, and the Englishman says Caley Jags’ long-serving players must take responsibility to ensure the transition is smooth.
Draper added: “It’s hard when players come in. They need some of the players who have been here two or three years to steady the ship and direct them into the way we play.
“The manager has been doing that too, letting them know what’s expected of them, and players have to step up.
“I’m not really a shouter in the dressing room, some are. But we’ve all got to step up and do our bit so we go in the right direction.
“We’ve got to go again, We’ve lost a few players but we have kept the majority and it was important the club kept the core of the team who have played a large part in the successes of recent years.
“Carl Tremarco didn’t play as many games as he wanted at left back last season because of Graeme Shinnie, but hopefully he will get a chance this year and players like him can step up.”