Caley Thistle midfielder James Vincent has warned his side must not dwell on Tuesday’s League Cup quarter-final defeat at the hands of Highland rivals Ross County.
Inverness fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to the Staggies, with Greg Tansey’s late goal not enough after goals in either half from Jackson Irvine and Michael Gardyne.
Caley Thistle were hungry for more cup success after last season’s Scottish Cup win in which Vincent netted the winning goal to defeat Falkirk at Hampden in May.
The loss was Inverness’ third on the bounce, with John Hughes’ side sitting in ninth place, just three points above Partick Thistle who occupy the relegation play-off position.
Vincent is determined to halt the drop in form when his side hosts Dundee at the weekend and said: “We worked hard but weren’t good enough in a lot of places. We did not deserve to win against Ross County.
“We’ve had a taste of cup success and everyone wanted to be part of it. Unfortunately we’re not going to get that now.
“In a derby there are always bragging rights, so we’re disappointed. For some reason, in a lot of the games, it’s not really happened for us, for one reason or another. It’s something we need to put right.
“It is still early in the season and we’ve got a lot to play for.”
Inverness have suffered injury problems, with nine players missing Tuesday’s tie, restricting Hughes to just five substitutes.
Vincent has been deployed up front alongside leading-scorer Miles Storey in Caley Jags’ last two matches, and the Englishman is taking time to adapt to the role.
Vincent added: “It’s been tough, we’ve got a small squad regardless of the injuries we have had, which has made it even harder.
“I’ve been playing out of position, it’s unknown territory as I’ve never played there before. I’ve not enjoyed it because we’ve not won. I’m a midfielder, but the manager has told me I need to play that role. Like anything, the more I do it the better I’ll get at it.
“Before the Ross County game, we worked on me and Miles staying a lot higher up the pitch, but it wasn’t really that type of game.
“Players who are going to have to fill in and work hard for the team and we need to regroup.”