Caley Thistle manager John Hughes insists speculation linking him with the vacant Dundee United job will be no distraction to him ahead of today’s Highland derby against Ross County.
Hughes is a target for United chairman Stephen Thompson after the sacking of Jackie McNamara in the wake of the Tannadice club’s 2-1 defeat by St Johnstone last weekend.
The Inverness manager claims he has distanced himself from talk of a move elsewhere and says he is firmly focused on leading his side to a derby victory at Dingwall.
Hughes said: “No one will be pointing the finger at me about my preparation. I’ve prepared for the game as much as I’ve ever done.
“We are meticulous with our preparation because I know what it means to the supporters to pick up the three points. I’ve not even read a newspaper and I’m not interested. My whole focus is 100% on this derby match.”
Inverness have held the upperhand over their Highland rivals in recent derby encounters, winning on their last three trips to Victoria Park.
Caley Jags have not lost in their last five meetings with County, the last Staggies’ victory being a 2-1 win at Caledonian Stadium on New Year’s Day in 2014.
Despite his side’s superior record, Hughes expects to come up against a much improved County outfit this afternoon.
Hughes added: “Ross County have moved it on tenfold from last year in terms of recruitment.
“Jim has signed well up to a dozen players and they’ve hit the ground running. They’ve got confidence and momentum that we had last year.
“It’s a real challenge to us but one we welcome. We’re more than capable of going to Dingwall and picking up three points.”
Hughes hopes to welcome back several players from injury for today’s match, with Iain Vigurs, Dani Lopez, Carl Tremarco and Tobi Sho-Silva all returning to training earlier this week.