Robertson will fight on and pray for miracle

JOHN ROBERTSON found Saturday’s late kick in the teeth from Dunfermline stirring painful memories of Hearts’ infamous title collapse of 1986. Recollections of the day Albert Kidd’s killer double destroyed Tynecastle dreams are, however, the very reason the Inverness Caley Thistle manager is not ready to give up on the Championship play-offs. Robertson was a 21-year-old emerging talent as Hearts — after a 31-game unbeaten run — went within seven minutes of glory, only to slump against Dundee and hand the title to Celtic. Some 32 years on, he is old and wise enough to keep the agony of Nicky Clark’s stoppage-time leveller for the Pars in calm perspective. Only a Caley Thistle win tonight and at Morton on Saturday, coupled with a Dumbarton win at East End Park, can now secure a play-off spot for the Highlanders. But Robertson knows from bitter experience just how football’s wicked twists can mess with presumptions. Reflecting on Saturday’s 95th-minute sickener, he said: ‘Yes, it was a blow — no doubt about that. It is the famous footballing gods, they giveth and taketh away. But if people think we’re giving up they have another thing coming. ‘Then, yes, we need a favour, but from a lad who lost the league title in 1986 with seven minutes to go, believe me, these miracles can happen. ‘Look, the ball is very much in Dunfermline’s court, we know that. But we cannot give up — and won’t give up.’