TWO IN A WOE
ICT v HAMILTON Anier’s out to avoid back to back relegation horror
HENRI ANIER plummeted through the trapdoor with Dundee United last season to leave a first relegation blemish on his CV.
He’s heading for a quickfire second with Inverness written off as certs for the drop – but the striker is convinced the Highlanders can pull off an escape act Harry Houdini would be proud of.
The 34-cap Estonia international insists Caley’s situation is different from the one United experienced in freefall because there’s still plenty of belief in the dressing room. And while there is a glimmer of hope all defeatist talk is off limits.
Anier, who has plied his trade in Italy, Norway, Germany, Sweden and Scotland as well as Estonia, swears victory in today’s live televised do-or-die clash with Hamilton can be the launchpad for an incredible climb to survival.
Richie Foran’s men trail second-bottom Motherwell by seven points and Anier said: “It’s a tough situation we’re in. We know that.
“But we need to keep the heads up and be positive. There is still hope – there’s a slight chance.
“Every situation is different in football. We have four games to go. We’ll focus on the next one. While there is a slight chance we fight to the end. We’re not thinking about it being a crucial weekend. We just know we need a win to keep hope alive.
“What I experienced with Dundee United last year was not a nice feeling and it is an extra motivation.
“But I see this as a different situation from last year, totally. We still have four games to go. This time last year it was virtually gone already for United. They are different clubs.
“Is there more positivity? Yes. Obviously nobody wants two relegations on their CV but you need to just stay positive.
“Better days are coming and we just keep working.”
Anier watched from the bench as Inverness started brightly then disintegrated against Ross County in last Friday’s Highland derby.
With confidence fragile the mix-up between young defender Jamie McCart and keeper Ryan Esson proved pivotal as they crashed 4-0.
Anier, 26, added: “Who gets the first goal in these games is crucial.
“We can’t hide behind bad luck but a lot has gone against us. We can’t affect that now.
“We’ll focus on this weekend and a huge game against Hamilton. We need three points and are ready to fight for them.”
There has been talk on social media of fans boycotting the game in protest at what some view as boardroom mismanagement.
Anier called for unity and said: “I understand the supporters are disappointed with what’s going on and the situation we’re in. But we still believe.
“The real fans are behind us, through good and bad. We trust them and they trust us.”
After the Highland derby defeat Foran spoke of signing the “wrong” type of characters this season – too few battlers and too many ball players.
Anier was unconcerned by the scathing nature of the criticism and said: “We understand it when we get criticised. Obviously the results have not been there.
“Everyone knows themselves how they played.
“But we won’t throw the towel in.”