Vincent is lapping up home comforts in the Highlands

THE faces may have changed but, as James Vincent quickly discovered, it is still the same old Caley Thistle.

The 29-year-old Englishman left Inverness three years ago for today’s hosts Dundee, immortalised having netted the 2015 Scottish Cup winner against Falkirk.

The team Terry Butcher built, and John Hughes perfected, held great ability but also phenomenal group bonds and understanding.

Much to Vincent’s delight, returning to the Highlands this summer, a much-changed dressing room seems to have somehow retained that spirit.

With five new signings, set against Dundee’s nine and counting, Caley Thistle’s squad continuity also looks like proving an asset in the early part of the season as they go into this Betfred Cup Group D decider.

Vincent stressed: ‘Dundee have made big changes and that’s kind of been the story of their season for a couple of years now.

‘New managers have come in and been given a license to rip it up and do what they want. Sometimes you hit the floor running with that approach, but sometimes it takes time to understand team-mates and the way a new boss wants to play.

‘Maybe they are a work in progress, but from our point of view, everyone has bedded in really well so far this season.

‘It has been easy for me, knowing the club and the staff.

‘Everyone is in it together up here, so it is a different type of mindset to other clubs where they go off home in all different directions.

‘In my first spell here, that brought the best out of me — and, hopefully, it can be the same again.’