Caley Thistle midfielder James Vincent says speculation linking manager John Hughes with a move to Dundee United is inevitable given his success with Inverness.
Vincent was on target to help his side emerge victorious from the first Highland derby of the campaign, adding to Miles Storey’s opener before half-time, with Liam Boyce netting a late consolation for the Staggies.
The win extended Inverness’ unbeaten run to six games and at the end of a week in which manager Hughes has been touted as a candidate for the vacant job at Tannadice after the sacking of Jackie McNamara last weekend.
Hughes oversaw the most successful season in Caley Jags’ 21-year history last year, winning the Scottish Cup and finishing third in the Premiership to qualify for Europe for the first time.
Vincent is eager for his manager to remain in the Highlands and said: “He’s been fantastic. He’s perfect for players like myself who want to play football the right way.
“All the lads get behind that. We can mix it when we need to, as he’s a clever manager.
“It’s not a surprise he’s been linked elsewhere but as long as he keeps doing well we’re happy.
“We can’t think anything of it. Players get linked and managers get linked. It’s going to happen when we get success like last year.
“We’re back to winning ways – we’re a solid team that is hard to break down. It’s feeling like last season.
“At the start of the season we just needed something to click, and it did all of a sudden, and now we’re back to the way we were.”
Vincent missed the early part of the campaign with a calf injury but has returned to the side to play a leading role in his side’s upsurge.
Despite a poor start to the season, Vincent never doubted Caley Jags’ fortunes would turn. The 26-year-old added: “The Highland derby always means a lot to the supporters – it’s great to get the result for them.
“I’ve got a couple of goals since I came back in and I want to continue that to help out the team.
“As long as we’re winning and pushing up the league, that’s the most important thing.
“We’ve got a fantastic squad. We don’t necessarily rely on players. Don’t get me wrong, the lads who left last year, Graeme Shinnie and Marley Watkins, were fantastic and they’re going to go on and do great things. But the manager has replaced them. He drills the way he wants to play into the new boys and they take it on from there.”