Players have new contracts to play for, says manager Butcher

Terry Butcher will not allow his players to think of sun loungers and cocktails despite the Caley Thistle securing their SPL status with two games left.

Instead, the Inverness squad can look forward to fish and chips at Auchterarder if it defeats Stmirren in the penultimate game of the campaign at Paisley today.

Far from thinking about their summer holidays Butcher reckons some of his 11 out-of-contract players should still be attempting to win new deals at Inverness.

He said: “It will be our last fish and chips of the year at Auchterarder for the intrepid Caley Thistle bus.

“I don’t know how many miles we have clocked up or fish suppers we have had.”

He added: “The players are playing for pride, for money and the supporters: I still think there is a lot to play for.

“You never know what could happen.

“Someone could score a hat-trick in the next two games or have an absolute blinder.

“Or other circumstances may dictate Imight have to go down a different route when it comes to the squad next season.”

Winger Jonny Hayes returns from suspension, while defender Steve Williams misses out through injury for Inverness with top flight football guaranteed for the 2012/13 term.

Butcher added:

“You could sense the relief and happiness in training. Ihad a walk on Thursday and I felt as if a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

“It has given me an extra spring inmy step and I can start the plans for next season now.

“We can release the handbrake.”

Headded:“just look at St Mirren, you can sense the freedom and enjoyment in the way they are playing.

“They did well at Kilmarnock this week and have players that can score goals across the park.

“Maurice Malpas and I know Steven Thompson very well from our time at Dundee United.

“He is experienced and leads the line strongly up front.

“Nigel Hasselbaink and Dougie Imrie have good pace and are exciting.

“Paul Magowan is playing very well and they are in good form.

“Having said all that we enjoy playing them and going to their new ground.

“We have had some very good results there in the past.”