Lichties’ Little wants to put a dent in the Caley Jags’ championship run

Ricky Little insists Inverness were always title contenders – but believes Arbroath can halt their Championship charge.

Dick Campbell’s Angus outfit head for the Highlands tonight to face Billy Dodds’ table-toppers as they bid to make amends for their openingday defeat at the hands of the Championship front-runners.

Back in July, the lacklustre Lichties went down 1-0 at Gayfield to Shane Sutherland’s strike for the high-flying Highlanders who have lost only once so far in their quest for a top-flight return.

Defender Little knew right away Dodds’ side would launch their own promotion push but reckons Arbroath, who are searching for a first win in five outings, can exact revenge for their first-day setback.

Little said: “Inverness sent out a message on the first day against us.

“They managed to grind out victory without being brilliant, which is the sign of any good team.

“You could tell even then they would be in the hunt for promotion. They had the look of a team who meant business.

“And I think when you look at their recruitment over the summer, it’s easy to see why they’re up at the top of the table.

“They’re there on merit and are the team to beat. So they deserve all the credit and respect.

“But that doesn’t mean to say we’re going to go up there and just let them dictate – far from it.

“We know we didn’t really fire on all cylinders against them back in July. That was very frustrating.

“So that should give us plenty incentive to go out and show what we can really do. It will hopefully be a different Arbroath this time.”

Arbroath’s form has dipped slightly in recent weeks and the part-time Lichties are aiming to end a four-game streak without a win.

They were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Ayr United at the weekend but stopper Little is convinced they can return to winning ways soon.

He added: “It’s been a bit disappointing of late, to be honest.

“I think maybe it’s an expectation thing. Earlier in the season, we were flying because there was possibly a bit less pressure.

“But more recently we’ve been expected to beat teams because our form had been so good. So that’s just something we’ve got to handle.

“However, the last thing the manager is going to do is let us feel sorry for ourselves.

“He’ll have us fired up as ever to go for the three points in Inverness. That would be a great way to get us back on track.

“Inverness will have other ideas but we know what we’re capable of and that’s the main thing.”

Ricky Little says Arbroath have a point to prove.