FRIENDLY DERBY IS AWINNER
OWEN COYLE and John Robertson have moved to revive the Highland derby in a cut-price friendly during the international break.
Ross County will host last season’s relegated Premiership side in Dingwall on Wednesday, November 8.
Tickets for all fans will cost just £5 with proceeds going to the Maggie’s cancer charity.
Caley Thistle, in improved form lately, were looking for a friendly with several injury victims nearing full fitness.
County boss Coyle says that despite the meaningless nature of the game, it will have a real competitive edge.
The sides last met in April in Dingwall where a doomed Caley Thistle crashed to a 4-0 defeat.
Coyle said: “I spoke to Robbo and they’ve been looking for a game. Moving into the international break we’re able to do it and it’ll be two very strong teams.
“We’ve not had a derby this season so it’ll be a great for everybody. The players and clubs will benefit but all proceeds will go to Maggie’s.
“I hope the fans turn out to support. The entrance fee is only a fiver, which is a brilliant.
“Outwith how feisty the derby can be, the fans will know there’s a huge benefit to the charity. We’ve all been touched by things like that over the years. Hopefully there will be huge numbers for what should be a great occasion.”
Coyle enjoyed a short loan spell with the Staggies as a player – scoring in a 3-3 derby clash in Inverness.
He added: “I remember it was a wonderful occasion. It doesn’t matter where you go in the world, everyone loves their local rivalry. It’s vital for the community that local teams do well, we want to see Inverness back in the top flight.”
Coyle feels Robertson’s transformed squad can do just that as they recover from a terrible start to the Championship campaign.
He added: “We want all the local teams to thrive. All credit to Inverness, they’ve had a tough run of games and turned it round.”