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John Hughes wary of “one of Caley Thistle’s own” Billy Mckay

Dundee United signed Billy McKay at the end of the transfer window
Dundee United signed Billy McKay at the end of the transfer window

Caley Thistle manager John Hughes will place his defence on high alert to handle “one of the best” attackers he has worked with as Billy Mckay spearheads the Dundee United attack today.

Hughes knows just what a threat the Highlanders’ former goal hero will pose as he confronts his former colleagues in a Tangerine jersey.

Hughes was thwarted by finance in efforts to bring the Wigan Athletic frontman back to the club on loan and knows his loss was United’s gain.

Hughes had hoped to be re-united with McKay
Hughes had hoped to be re-united with McKay

Mckay, who hit 62 goals in three-and-a-half years at Caledonian Stadium, broke his United duck in defeat against Kilmarnock last week and Hughes is naturally eager to prevent him gathering momentum.

The 51-year-old said: “We come up against one of our own in Billy. He is a player we did try to bring back here but it was beyond us in terms of finance.

“Jackie has signed a good forward. Billy was one of the best I’ve worked with – a great guy, great worker, who kept his head and scored goals.

“We’re going to have to be at our best to keep the shackles on him on Saturday but I’m sure we’re capable of doing that.”

Hughes acknowledges United are a club, not unlike Inverness until last Friday, in dire need of a victory, with pressure building on manager Jackie McNamara after a spate of defeats.

But the Inverness manager professes to be full of admiration for the rebuilding work under way under McNamara after recent departures – and insists his old Celtic colleague should be granted time.

Hughes said: “Dundee United are possibly similar to us in terms of craving that first win.

“You see them against Kilmarnock and they certainly should have taken something from the match, if not won it.

Mckay opened his account for United against Kilmarnock
Mckay celebrates opening his account for United against Kilmarnock

“Jackie will be left scratching his head. The players they’ve sold had to be replaced and they’ve done that with young kids.

“Every time I go back to see them, these young kids are getting better and better – so much so I think they are going to have massive careers ahead of them.

“Supporters in Scotland want success and they want it yesterday. It doesn’t always work like that.

“Dundee United are in the right hands. You’re not a manager unless you come under that pressure and Jackie’s played at a club, Celtic, where there is real pressure.”