Spirit of 2015 can take Inverness to the final again says captain Warren

● Skipper encouraged by Robertson’s squad rebuilding despite budget cuts

INVERNESS

V DUNDEE

Gary Warren believes Caley Thistle still have work to do to replicate the spirit of 2015 – but reckons they’re getting there.

The team that lifted the Scottish Cup that memorable day in May was a special group, built over six or seven years under Terry Butcher and John Hughes.

John Robertson, Richie Foran’s successor last summer, has had just six or seven months to rebuild a squad pilfered of mainstays such as Graeme Shinnie, Ryan Christie, Marley Watkins and Ross Draper.

Yet, amid budget cuts of close to £2 million after relegation, Robertson has brought together a squad now pushing for promotion.

After holding Dundee to a 2-2 draw at Dens Park ten days ago, Warren feels confident that Caley Thistle have it in them to finish the job tonight against Neil Mccann’s topflight side.

Warren, who was suspended for the 2015 triumph against Falkirk after a semi-final yellow card against Celtic, still cherishes those sweet memories of Hampden Park.

He would never rule out repeat heroics, even if the club’s rebirth remains in the formative stages. The club

0 Gary Warren: Cup buzz. captain said: “We have been rebuilding this season and it is sometimes hard to replicate the kind of spirit we had before because it was so special.

“It was not only the players, but the whole environment and people all around the club. It was such a united feeling.

“We’re getting there – slowly – but still for me personally I think there is a lot more to do to get to where we want to be.

“Okay, we got relegated last year and we are a Championship side now, but we should still have been looking to win the league this year.

“We’re far off that now and I don’t think it’s going to happen, but we can still finish in the top four. That’s got to be our aim.”

However, Warren admits the Dundee replay has set the old Scottish Cup juices flowing again.

He said: “Any cup run is great, not only for the players but the club as a whole. It lets the club generate a bit more money.

“It is such a memorable tournament for us. We won it only three years ago, so it is still fresh in a lot of people’s minds here. Around the club we still have that same buzz about it.

“We’re looking to win the game tomorrow night. We’re the home side and we fancy our chance. We have as good a chance as any to progress in this competition and get to the final.”

Robertson signalled his side would go all out for victory.he said: “The players thoroughly deserved the replay and we’ve got a real chance now to cause an upset.

“Our plan is to go out and give it a real go and hopefully progress to get another Premiership team in Motherwell at home.

“Dundee manager Neil Mccann wants his players to sharpen up their approach following the 2-2 draw with Robertson’s side.

“It’s all about attitude, 100 per cent,” he said. “You could see when our attitude and edge wasn’t on it in the first game, we made it difficult for ourselves because Inverness are a good side and are improving steadily under John.

“They play good football and showed their threats in the first match. But without being disrespectful to them, if my players are at it and their attitude is absolutely spot on, then I would back them to progress.” Berwick Rangers boss Robbie Horn has told his side to prepare for a backlash when they host Peterhead in League 1 tonight.

Horn said: “Peterhead had been on a good run so losing to Clyde at the weekend will have been a disappointment. They will be out to bounce back quickly and will view this game as the perfect opportunity to do that.”

Horn has Steve Notman and Michael Mckenna back after suspension.

Blue Toon manager Jim Mcinally refused to criticise his players for their defeat. He said: “Sometimes when you lose you can find fault with your players but that was not the case on Saturday. The game was dominated by the wind and all you can ask from your players then is to put in maximum effort and the guys did that.”

Mason Robertson hasan ankle injury but Simon Ferry should return.