Early test will put ICT on a Warr footing

INVERNESS skipper Gary Warren reckons a curtain-raiser against Dundee United is the ideal start to life in the Championship.

The Highlanders suffered the ignominy of being relegated last season but Warren reckons a showdown against the title favourites will show exactly what is required if Caley Thistle are to bounce straight back up.

And he claims Hibs’ three-year stay in the second tier is a reminder of just how competitive the league is.

Warren said: “The United game is a perfect start.

“It couldn’t get any harder as they have been tipped to win the title and this is what we want.

“This will give us an early indication of where we are as a club and the chance to test ourselves against a good outfit.

“Our main focus will be to bounce straight back up.

“It will be difficult because it is a hard league to get out of. It took Hibs three years.”

The 32-year-old defender – who is embarking on his sixth season in Inverness – believes new Caley Jags boss John Robertson can get the club back on track. Warren said: “Another new manager has come in and has brought fresh ideas with him.

“There has been a lot of changes at the club and there are a lot of new faces who have not played in Scottish football before.

“We have had the Betfred Cup so far and were disappointed not to have qualified from the group stage. The hard work for us starts this weekend.”